Paul makes plea for fellow boxer

FORMER national boxing champion Michael Paul has added his voice to those of displaced former light-heavyweight title-holder, Wendell Joseph and his family. Paul related yesterday with evident shock after receiving word of the fate that befell his childhood friend, formerly of Tarouba Link Road, San Fernando, in early November. Of even  greater concern to Paul is what is being done to help the Joseph family which includes his wheelchair-bound wife, Erica and daughter, Eileen. Though Paul was aware of circumstances surrounding the recent blaze which destroyed the Joseph house, he chose to draw attention to the “human” situation.

Growing up together in the St Dominic’s Home, Belmont and the St Michael’s School for Boys, Diego Martin, both Paul and Joseph began boxing and climbed the ranks with Joseph peaking in 1972. Their careers as pugilists were seen as more of a hustle than a full-time job but their commitment to the discipline belied this view and they struggled against the odds to be at the top of their game on the local circuit. Paul, a community activist in the Phase Four Beetham Gardens district, made it clear that the pittance that most fighters receive was no compensation for their passion.

He said that in this time of distress and great need it was important that Joseph collects on his contribution made in the national arena as an outstanding sportsman who gave his all. Paul says the lack of action towards helping the Josephs is a poor reflection on a society that has in its national anthem the words “Here every creed and race find an equal place.” He has put out a challenge to the society to show greater concern for their less fortunate stating that those who have been blessed must assist those unable to recover from their personal troubles. Admittedly, hurt and disheartened by the whole situation, Paul noted that Eileen, 16, is unable to attend school as a result of her family’s plight and that he saw this as a waste of potential.

Joseph and Paul had been out of touch for a while but re-established contact a few months ago and revealed that he was devastated with recent reports on their welfare. The family has been calling Woodford Square home since their house was destroyed by what they suspect to be arson and has been living off the meagre contributions of compasionate citizens. Paul called upon the government, in particular the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, and the corporate community to take an interest in the Joseph family’s predicament. He suggested that Wendell be offered a job in order that he be “re-admitted” into society. “Wendell deserves it,” Paul said.