January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Perozzi's manager wants to help setup boxing gym
Perozzi's manager wants to help setup boxing gym
George Cuozzo, of Seconds to Go Boxing, said he would be interested in helping with the planning and financing of a gym on the island for boxers - in order to give Perozzi access to the proper training and equipment in the run up to future world title bouts.
Perozzi is currently in New Jersey completing her training for her seven-belt fight with Natascha Ragosina on March 15 in Germany.
But Cuozzo believes that she is going to need access to top class facilities for much longer periods of time in the build up to future fights.
And he wants to help breathe life into the long running proposal to redevelop Admirality House into a fully equipped boxing gym.
He said the other option was to find a new facility and aid Perozzi in opening her own gym or to have her spend more time overseas.
"I understand there is a facility set aside for boxing on the island and I'd like to see if we can upgrade that.
"That's an area that has to be explored.
"Apparently there is this area set aside. Teresa mentioned it. I don't know what condition it's in. Teresa seems to think it would be okay.
"If we could get one of the gyms that's already operating in there now and upgrade it from there that would be a forward step."
He said Seconds to Go Boxing would help in any way they could with the development of the gym.
"We'll do whatever it takes to put it together. I can't say for sure until I see it but if that building won't work we'll look at finding somewhere else in Bermuda.
"We have to look at it. She's our fighter. We have to take a situation that's not conducive and turn it into a situation that becomes conducive.
"If that's not the way we go then she has to come out here, go to camp and get ready that way
"But she has a child which is understandably her number one focus."
He said an on-island boxing gym could be financed through his company, sponsorship or government funding and could ultimately turn a profit by charging fees.
He said he was just looking into the situation at this stage and would not take it any further until after the Ragosina bout.
But he believes victory for Teresa in Germany would open up a world of opportunity for her and for the sport of boxing in Bermuda.
"I know they've spent a lot of money on their cricket programme, which has not really developed.
"I have no idea why, I don't understand cricket, but if she wins these belts boxing can become an avenue for kids in Bermuda.
"She could be a role model for youth on the island.
"If we open up a gym for people who want to learn the art of boxing, we can develop the amateur programme, the next step is the Olympics, the next step is professional.
"Her winning those belts opens up those avenues to take boxing to a different level."[[In-content Ad]]
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