Boxing in gayelle planned

INTERNATIONAL boxing matchmaker Buxo Potts intends writing Prime Minister Patrick Manning demanding he immediately names a new Boxing Board of Control.

Potts said the Prime Minister, as head of the Boards Committee of Cabinet, must take the responsibility for the sorry plight professional promoters and boxers now find themselves in and must do something to alleviate their problems. “I would like PM Manning to give an immediate response to our request. It is the only suitable outcome after so many promises. Something must be done now,” said Potts. The three-year term of office of the last Boxing Board of Control expired in December and despite assurances that a new board would be named, no announcement has been forthcoming. Potts said after waiting four months he is prepared to stage a professional card without the required permission of the Boxing Board of Control. He says he knows such a presentation will be illegal. “But together with fellow promoters we are prepared to face the consequences of our actions if that is what it takes to force the hand of the authorities,” said an angry Potts yesterday.

He contemplated the staging of professional boxing matches in illegal gayelle-style settings far away from the law where the fighters can parctise their trade without fear of getting arrested for contravening the Boxing Board Act. “The element of risk and the prospects of cashing in through bets on the respective boxers will attract fight fans and get the sport back on the road giving employment to the many who have been sidelined since last year because of the neglect of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in not giving urgency to the naming of a new board,” said Potts yesterday. He said he was all set to bring in overseas fighters for last week’s Point Fortin Borough Day Festival and the current Siparia Festival but has been stymied since no approval can be obtained for the professional bouts. “The sport has been brought to a standstill and no one seems to be concerned at the official level to hasten the decision-making process.

“This sport is a business and brings relief to hundreds of people,” said Potts. Professional boxing has not been staged in a local ring for more than a year after the main promoters, Richforde Promotions, vowed not to put on cards in protest at the last Boxing Board of Control. Richforde have the majority of local professional boxers under their wings and without their input the sport was forced to shut down pending the naming of a new board. Potts urged PM Manning to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves and approve a slate of  conscientious and capable persons who have the sport at heart and the drive to take it forward. He made another call for the selection of former Director of Sport Neville Chance on the new board saying the retired public servant had excellent credentials for the position. “He has  an interest in the sport and a working relationship with the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs to get things done,” said Potts.