Revival boxing caravan in central

THE REVIVAL Boxing Gym will initiate an innovative programme to revive the sport of boxing in rural areas throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The project, headed by the Port-of-Spain’s gym assistant manager Allan Ferguson will get going tomorrow from 9.30 am at the Longdenville Community Centre, east of Chaguanas in Central Trinidad. “The purpose of the programme is to teach interested persons all aspects of the sport which will create a broader understanding,” said Ferguson yesterday. He said the aim is also to create a technical competence among the novices which will serve as a sound foundation for their future in the fight game. Ferguson, former national amateur middleweight champion said special emphasis will be placed on discipline and participants will be required to adhere to the strictest standards. Another aspect of the project, said Ferguson will be a course in coaching for persons who are interested in getting involved in this most important area of the sport. Ferguson said that assisting him tomorrow will be top national coach Rufus Edwards and former World Boxing Association (WBA) No 3 contender Alric Johnson. Ferguson said he has every confidence in Edwards as a coach who is capable of imparting his vast experience for the benefit of the participants.

“Edwards has been nominated for several top coaching awards as well as travelling extensively abroad participating in international courses. He has also been an understudy to well known Cuban coach Vicente Martinez,” said Ferguson yesterday. Martinez is a top Cuban coach who has been in Trinidad and Tobago for several years conducting coaching sessions and has been associated with the successful Trinidad and Tobago team at the Caribbean Championships. Ferguson said he hopes to take the effort to the districts of Mayaro, Moruga and Sangre Grande among others in the coming weeks and he expects an enthusiastic response from prospective participants. “The talent in these areas need the opportunity to get assistance and guidance from knowledgeable and experienced persons who have the sport at heart,” said Ferguson. He said males and females from eight-years-old to 22 will be accepted to participate in the day’s programme which is scheduled to end at 12.30 pm. All gear and equipment will be provided by Revival Boxing Gym. Ferguson said people need to know the basic difference between amateur and professional boxing so a lot of their fear and misunderstanding will be dispelled. “In amateur boxing there is a lot of protection afforded and we will be stressing safety in all our sessions,” said Ferguson.