Boxing World Cup coming to Trinidad

TT BBC chairman Annabelle Davis, who noted that the MOU was made on Saturday in Los Angeles, United States, revealed, “(it) allows us to facilitate the launch of the WBC Amateur and the WBC Youth Professional League, not just here in Trinidad and Tobago, which we’re now forming the cornerstone, but in the (Caribbean) region as well.” About Potts’ new role, Davis said, “(he) has been asked by the WBC to work as a consultant in the region.”

She added, “Mr Potts’ role as special adviser has come to an end but (he) has decided, together with the Board, that it is a role that he no longer needs to play.”

Potts, who was also a known boxing matchmaker, commented, “Trinidad and Tobago would have the first ever WBC Youth Amateur Pro League convention.

It’s going to be launched here in Trinidad and Tobago and the first ever World Cup will be held here in Trinidad and Tobago within a year.”

For his critics, he said, “I want to thank all the naysayers, the doubters for promoting me over the years. So now that the WBC has recognised that the most knowledgeable (boxing) person in the region is Boxu Potts. I want to thank all of you for empowering and enriching me.” Returning to the initiative, Potts pointed out, “this programme will speak volumes to the boxing world. People can feel comfortable to come and watch good old-school boxing rather than the watered- down techniques that AIBA (Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur) tried to implement through the Cuban system.”

He also revealed that, with the backing of Sulaiman, a number of legendary boxing names are likely to be either at the convention here in Trinidad or supporting the venture, including George Foreman, Don King, Oscar De La Hoya, Tommy Hearns, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes. “They all will be here to support this initiative,” Potts boasted, “because they recognise the need to take boxing back to where it belongs.”

Davis also bemoaned the diminished numbers of boxing promoters, as well as the dying breed of professional pugilists, in the twin-island republic.She pointed out she has been mandated by the TT BBC directors to develop initiatives, including a local amateur league (for boxers under the age of 16) through community boxing programmes, that will serve as a nursery for the future breed of local professional fighters.

Also speaking at the launch was former national light-heavyweight boxer Kirt Sinnette, who is a member of the TT BBC.