Former TT boxing champ dies in Miami

EX-TRINIDAD and Tobago lightweight boxing champion Rolly “Kid” Blyce has been killed in a motor car accident in Miami.

According to close friend Sam Lewis, Blyce was being driven by grand-daughter Lois to the airport on Friday last to catch a plane on his way to visit other relatives in New York when the accident occurred. Lewis said, following a funeral service in Miami tomorrow, his friend’s body will be cremated, and his ashes will be sent back to Trinidad to be scattered at Mayaro Beach. Blyce he said, was born in Mayaro and never left there until he migrated several years ago. Lewis said he met his friend while attending Mayaro Government School. He said Blyce celebrated his 77th birthday on November 1 last year, right here in Trinidad when he returned for a short holiday.

While lamenting his friend’s death, Lewis said Blyce was trained by the late “Cap” Wilkinson at his Rochford Street Gym before shifting to Carib Street in San Fernando. He said Blyce had his most memorable bout against Young Fearless Freddie, during which the two pugilists went toe-to-toe for 14 of the 15-round title bout before Freddie failed to answer the bell for the final round.

Lewis said Blyce fought the best in the 1950s on cards promoted by the late Harry Cook, among them the national welterweight ace Boswell St Louis, Young Braddock, “Baby Face” Daniel and Ralph Garcia. He said in the Garcia fight, Blyce was knocked down in the second round but got off the canvas to stop his opponent who failed to come off his stool for the fourth. Lewis said Blyce had one daughter, Rita Prince who lives in Miami, and several grand and great-grand children.