Blakeney promises to find a home for boxers

A lack of proper training facilities has long been a bone of contention for many in the local boxing community.

But if all goes according to plan, Bermuda’s boxers could have their very own training centre to polish their skills in the ring in the not too distant future.

At a recent cabinet press conference sports minister Glenn Blakeney expressed “hope” of establishing a boxing centre on the island – a facility many in the boxing community feel is long overdue.

Mr. Blakeney told reporters: “I’m hoping to reintroduce in an organized way through structure a boxing centre. And I am looking for engaging cooperate citizens to assist because that’s going to require some budget, and we are going to need a spirit of cooperation to achieve this.” Despite attempts in the past, plans to establish a boxing centre on the island have fallen through the cracks either through logistical or administrative challenges, forcing trainers such as Anthony (Forty) Rego to rely upon makeshift gyms to prepare their fighters for combat.

James Marina, president of Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association (BABA), said: “Most of our coaches are having problems with the facilities here. Boxing requires lots of space. I have equipment in my house and most of our executive have things in their homes regarding documents or whatever. It’s just so much needed and boxing requires a gym and that sort of thing in order to effect programmes.”

BABA chief Marina is keeping his fingers crossed that minister Blakeney can prevail where others before him have faltered in terms of establishing a boxing centre.

He added: “It’s been talked about for quite some time now and I just hope the minister becomes a champion in this effort and doesn’t end up being knocked out like other folk have been with respect to saying they are going to do it and not doing it. We have lots of potential on the island, but the problem is training (facilities).”