Olympian Paul wins at Lara’s Castle

Nigel Paul, Trinidad and Tobago’s lone boxing representative at last year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won the feature bout of the night, by a unanimous decision over Ricardo Brown.

The bout was in the super heavyweight division (91 kilogrammes and over) and, for the most part, was a scrappy affair.

The 27 year old Paul found it tough against his rival, who spent the majority of the three-round affair either holding on to the massively-built Paul or leaning on the ropes to avoid the jabs thrown his way.

This was Paul’s first competitive bout since his first round knockout by Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in a preliminary round super heavyweight contest at Rio.

According to Paul: “Going back into the ring, I know everybody was coming out to see what I had to offer, after the Olympics. The coaching staff let me know to go out there and box, and show (the fans) particular improvements - defence and offence, and more or less showcase from then to now the transition I have been going through.” Reflecting on his performance, Paul said, “I find it was good.

My coach (Floyd Trumpet) was pleased with my performance.” As far as his immediate future is concerned, the Olympian added: “We have a couple of fighters coming in. I think I might be going up against somebody from Guyana, and then we have plans to bring down different teams in preparation for the Continental Games in June. All these fights are geared for us getting ready and prepared for this tournament.” Paul said it was a privilege to participate in the Boxing At The Castle in front a crowd estimated at 200 - including Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Sports Minister Darryl Smith, sporting icons Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, Hasely Crawford, Leslie “Tiger” Stewart, Deryck Murray, Michael Phillips (current chairman of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago), and top national sportsmen Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons and Andrew Lewis.

“It was a nice experience to see the support from the (dignitaries), showing their faces and giving us that encouragement,” Paul acknowledged. “We know the boxing team have a lot to offer and the young boxers coming up really appreciate (them) showing that kind of interest, especially Mr Lara, for giving us that stage to perform and showcase our talents.

“We really appreciate it. I know for a fact the younger guys on the team, the junior team was present as well, guys from the Youth Training Centre were there and, seeing these guys coming out and supporting us, it was really a pleasure having them.” The other victorious Trinidad and Tobago pugilists on the night were Michael Alexander (over Damion Williams by unanimous decision in the 69 kg weight class), Aaron Prince (over Jonathan Hansen by unanimous decision in the 75 kg) and Brendon Dennis (over Ian Darby by a split decision in the 91 kg).

Jamaican Marvin Saga, in the 60kg, defeated Mike Inniss by unanimous decision, before the TT contingent tilted the balance in their favour with four straight victories.

In earlier bouts on the night, Tyrone St Clair won via a split decision over Tyronne Thomas in the 81kg category, Jesse Beckles had a unanimous decision victory over Kyrein Ruiz (64kg) and Nyrell Hosein got the better of Kevin Ramdeo by a split decision (45kg)