January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Boxing row may prevent Bascome from fighting
Boxing row may prevent Bascome from fighting
By Colin Thompson
Boxer Nikki Bascome is now in "serious jeopardy" of losing the right to represent Bermuda at this year's CAC Games in Puerto Rico because of an ongoing row between trainer Allan ‘Forty’ Rego and Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association (BABA).
Association member Debbie Smith has accused Rego of withholding Bascome's boxing passport that the latter must provide to CAC Games officials in Puerto Rico before he is allowed to step into the ring.
The association has until Thursday’s technical meeting to produce the book or Bascome will be disqualified.
In a plea to Premier Ewart Brown posted on the social network Facebook, Smith wrote: "Premier Brown I would appreciate it if you could assist the Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association with securing Nikki Bascome's U.S. boxing book which Allan ‘Forty’ Rego refuses to provide us.
"I changed my ticket to Aquadilla, Puerto Rico for the CAC Games at a cost of $860 as I must arrive as team manager with Nikki's complete boxing history.
"Nikki left today (yesterday) with coach Mallory but will be disqualified from competing unless he provides his complete boxing history."
In response to Smith's plea, Premier Brown referred the matter to Public Safety Minister Lt. Col. David Burch whom the former accuses of taking sides with trainer Rego.
She wrote: "My president (James Marina) has requested a meeting twice and Colonel Burch has stated that he has nothing to say to us as he supports what ‘Forty’ Rego says.”
Rego categorically denies having Bascome's boxing papers in his possession.
He said: "They are looking for a book and the book they are looking for Nikki had it. I haven't seen the book since the Arnold Schwarzennger classic in Colombus, Ohio.
"The book tells how many fights you have had, where you are from and who you are. You have to have a book to fight just like you have to have a license to drive a car."
Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association president James Marina declined to comment. n
Boxer Nikki Bascome is now in "serious jeopardy" of losing the right to represent Bermuda at this year's CAC Games in Puerto Rico because of an ongoing row between trainer Allan ‘Forty’ Rego and Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association (BABA).
Association member Debbie Smith has accused Rego of withholding Bascome's boxing passport that the latter must provide to CAC Games officials in Puerto Rico before he is allowed to step into the ring.
The association has until Thursday’s technical meeting to produce the book or Bascome will be disqualified.
In a plea to Premier Ewart Brown posted on the social network Facebook, Smith wrote: "Premier Brown I would appreciate it if you could assist the Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association with securing Nikki Bascome's U.S. boxing book which Allan ‘Forty’ Rego refuses to provide us.
"I changed my ticket to Aquadilla, Puerto Rico for the CAC Games at a cost of $860 as I must arrive as team manager with Nikki's complete boxing history.
"Nikki left today (yesterday) with coach Mallory but will be disqualified from competing unless he provides his complete boxing history."
In response to Smith's plea, Premier Brown referred the matter to Public Safety Minister Lt. Col. David Burch whom the former accuses of taking sides with trainer Rego.
She wrote: "My president (James Marina) has requested a meeting twice and Colonel Burch has stated that he has nothing to say to us as he supports what ‘Forty’ Rego says.”
Rego categorically denies having Bascome's boxing papers in his possession.
He said: "They are looking for a book and the book they are looking for Nikki had it. I haven't seen the book since the Arnold Schwarzennger classic in Colombus, Ohio.
"The book tells how many fights you have had, where you are from and who you are. You have to have a book to fight just like you have to have a license to drive a car."
Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association president James Marina declined to comment.
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