Boxing takes a hit from unrest

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

In light of the recent developments that have prompted the Government to impose a month long state of emergency in Kingston and St Andrew, the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control (JBBC) has postponed its fight card, which was scheduled for tomorrow at Liguanea Club.

The event, part of the Hands of Gold fight series, was to feature a number of United Kingdom-based boxers who were down to fight a number of the best boxing talent in Jamaica.

A new date has not yet been set.

JBBC president William Tavares-Finson does not foresee a huge financial fallout from the postponement, but regrets the setback at this stage, with preparations in gear for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

"It is more of a dislocation for us in terms of our programmes rather than a costing problem to us right now," said Tavares-Finson.

"It really hasn't thrown us too far out in terms of the financial aspect, but with respect to our programme and what we want to do for the year, yes it has definitely taken us outside of where we really want to be at this point," he added.

Tavares-Finson is, however, more concerned about the well-being of the boxers - some of whom reside the areas in affected by the unrest - than the postponement.

Tavares-Finson said: "My concern right now is really for my boxers because I have two gyms - one is on Victoria Avenue - the Stanley Couch Gym and we have a gym which is growing and full of youngsters in Boys' Town.

Military contacts

"I want to speak with our military contacts tomorrow (today) to see if it can be arranged for me to go in and at least take a look at the facility, which isn't a major one, and make sure that all the youngsters inside there are all safe."

However, JBBC vice-president Stephen 'Bomber' Jones said all the boxers are unharmed.

"Everybody in the troubled communities and others have been in touch and they are all good," said Jones.

He is, however, disappointed that the bout will not be staged this weekend so as to take steps in finalising the Commonwealth team.

"It (the bout) is something that I wanted to do this weekend so as to be able to sign off on who is going from who is not going and this would have given us some time to prepare properly and get everything in place to field a strong team," Jones explained.