Salandy fights for abused women

Salandy is currently preparing for a shot at the unified World Boxing Association/World Boxing Council super welterweight crown on September 15 at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

The 19-year-old Siparia lass is slated to fight American Lisa Holewyne, 37, over ten rounds for the double championship, the first time such a contest is being staged in the Caribbean.

Yesterday Salandy told the girls, most of whom are her peers that she could have easily found herself in their position. But she said her belief in God pointed her to the boxing gym.

“I am now pleading with you, young woman to young women to get involved in sport. It helps to boost your self-esteem and confidence and it also gives you disclipine,” Salandy stated.

The undefeated young boxer told the St Jude’s girls that to be truly successful in sport they must also complete their academic courses and she urged them to stay focused on their objectives. Salandy said that success also has its challenges as many times she felt that she could not keep going on. However she said belief in herself and her abilities gave her the motivation to persevere.

“When I won the Ibero-Latin American title in Curacao at the age of 14, I felt I was on top of the world. But when I came back home I was snubbed by most of the boxing and political officials.

“I felt so disappointed and unhappy at the reaction of many people who are said to be looking out for us and I was about to give up on my dreams,” said Salandy.

She said she was spoken to in a dream by her deceased mother who inspired her to lift her spirits telling her she had the potential to achieve great things.

“I then met the former President of the Republic Arthur NR Robinson and he gave me some words of encouragement which have fashioned my thoughts positively and have had a lasting effect on me until this day,” Salandy said. The youngster told the St Jude’s girls that they are the future of the nation and can achieve whatever they want and just like her can take a shot at history.

“It took close to a hundred years to bring a fight for the WBA and WBC championship to the Caribbean. And I pledge to wiin those titles for all the delinquent, battered and underprivileged women in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

“When I win these titles, it will not be mine, but ours,” Salandy said. “I will use this opportunity to help the youth of this country to realise that crime and violence is not the way, but there is always a better option. God is always on your side and he will alsways give you hope,” she said.

The September 15 bout is being organised by the United Promoters Boxing Association and co-ordinated by international match-maker Boxu Potts.

Potts yesterday welcomed Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes back to Trinidad after an overseas trip. He said Minister Boynes will soon make a crucial decision on Government’s support of the world championship bout which is expected to generate worldwide interest.

Potts said he is optimistic that both Minister Boynes and Director of Sport Paul Newallo will weigh in heavily to assist Salandy realise her tremendous potential and place Trinidad and Tobago in the international spotlight.

Potts said that it will cost at least $150,000 to successfully stage the contest and he has already received the backing of Hi-Lo Food Stores, the National Lotteries Control Board and Nestor Abraham of the Fairchance Racing Pool in Port-of-Spain