Noel aims to rescue boxing

DAVID NOEL, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most outstanding professional boxers of the last decade, has signalled his intention to return to the ring after an absence of more than two years. The Tobagonian, a cousin of this country’s first ever world champion, lightweight Claude Noel, said yesterday his comeback is two-fold. “I have been watching the situation and see the sport in the doldrums. By returning, I hope to revive the sport and also to try and give something back to the sport by way of providing a role model for the youngsters,” Noel said.

Now 36 years old, Noel, a natural light middleweight (154 lbs), has spent the last two years outside of Trinidad and Tobago, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, keeping in shape and involving himself with young aspiring boxers in London, England and New York, USA. He said those years studying the sweet science has made him a better, more experienced boxer who is now ready for a second spring. “I am now ready to execute what I have been studying,” Noel said. He said he needs about three warm-up bouts before seriously challenging for the Caribbean title. “From there we will see how it goes, If a world ranking comes along I will follow it up,” he said.

Noel is a former national champion, a two-time FECABOX middle and lightweight title-holder and has also captured the FEDA-Latin championship. The hardpunching fighter has also been ranked twice among the top ten middleweights in the world. He holds a record of 40 victories with nine losses and one draw. Noel said he has been encouraged by the response he has been getting from all those who have learnt of his intention to get back in the ring. He is counting especially on the experience and guidance of his cousin Claude who won Trinidad and Tobago’s first world championship in 1981.
“Claude will be in my corner at the Tigers Gym on Prince Street in Port-of-Spain where I will be training. My promotion will be handled by Randy Glasgow,” said Noel.

He thinks by his return, crowds will be wooed back to watch local professional cards and he also has the opportunity to project himself as a role model and the sport of boxing as a healthy alternative to the lure of the street. “I want young people to see the sport as an avenue to get out of the crime trap and make something of themselves,” said Noel. Former world champion Claude, now 55 years old, is confident that his cousin can match his words with his fists in the ring. “Boxing is about physical fitness and proper planning. I have no doubt that David has these attributes. He has enhanced his abilities and can produce the desired results,” Noel said. “At this stage in his life, he is more motivated and will give a good account of himself when the time comes,” the former world champion lightweight boxer said.