Salandy gets Eternal Champion Award

Salandy died in a tragic accident on January 4, cutting short her budding career at the age of 21 but her achievements will forever be remembered throughout the world.

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has bestowed upon Salandy the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as their highest honour, the Eternal Champion Award.

The First Citizens Sportswoman of the Year 2006 is the first boxer to receive the prestigious Eternal Champion Award.

The revelation was made by Salandy’s former promoter Harry Ragoonanan at a press conference yesterday at Sweet Lime Restaurant, Woodbrook.

Salandy’s ex-manager Boxu Potts admitted yesterday that he cried when learning of the WBC honour.

He explained that not only is Salandy a national boxing legend but the WBC honour puts her alongside some of the world greats including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano.

Salandy re-wrote history as a 14 year-old-boxer and her career has been highlighted by breaking record after record to rack up an impressive 17 wins from as many bouts including six knockouts.

She was the youngest fighter to win a boxing title at the age of 14 and three years later became the youngest female to win a world title. Salandy was the first to unify the two top titles and was again in unchartered territory, winning six world titles in one fight. At the age of 21, she broke yet another record by winning eight world belts in one fight.

Potts has recommended that the award be placed at the National Library in Port-of-Spain to keep her memory alive through the nation’s youths.

Brian Lewis, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control, praised Salandy for representing TT with distinction throughout her career and argued that all stakeholders in local boxing should put their petty differences aside for the good of the sport.

Salandy, a Chaconia Gold Medal recipient was given a state funeral with thousands turning up to pay respect to the boxing queen at La Romaine, south Trinidad.