Boxers escape St James bomb

Thompson yesterday related how circumstances prevented him from staging a boxing card in St James on Friday night near the spot where a bomb exploded injuring 14 persons.

"It was the same spot we had chosen for the card but plans were not yet finalised. However the date was already selected. So we are happy that the card did not come off after all," Thompson said.

"We were supposed to be at Smokey and Bunty. And we have intentions of putting on the card this Friday on the same spot but we may not get the permission to do so," said Thompson.

It would have marked the resumption of the highly publicised series of boxing cards on the theme of "Trading Guns for Gloves" and "Balls for Bullets."

He reiterated yesterday that his aim is to promote the boxers and enlist their help in joining the fight against crime by motivating young people into worthwhile endeavours.

Thompson said the spiralling crime statistics are cause for much concern and that for top heavyweight boxer Kerrtson Manswell and undefeated welterweight Kirt Sinnette, winning titles is secondary to making a positive contribution.

"They have bought into the idea that their major role is to set a good example. Winning championships is not the goal anymore," said Thompson.

He said the card, now scheduled for this Friday at a venue to be announced, will attract the participation of ordinary citizens who have been directly affected by criminal activity.

"We have the co-operation of family members of boxers and others who have been murdered to attend the show and to talk about the experiences in an attempt to deter violent activity in society," Thompson said.

The boxing manager/promoter said he has planned what he terms "appropriate" music to accompany the show and he hopes to get Singing Sandra and Maximus Dan to perform their brand of "conscious" lyrics.

"We are targeting youths in a big way through boxing to help prevent the destruction of our society. This madness must stop," Thompson said yesterday.

In the main bout of Friday’s card, Manswell, undefeated in six professional fights will come up against Terrence Speed, a member of the Jamaica Army in a ten-round bout.

Thompson said that it will be Manswell’s biggest challenge to date as Speed has beaten him twice as an amateur and will be a formidable opponent. The Jamaican has won three fights as a professional and lost once.

Sinnette, another rising professional star is unbeaten in nine bouts and will match gloves with Barbadian Ricardo Kelman.

In another bout Sean Corbin comes up against another Barbadian, Julien Tannis.

Also expected to fight is "Fighting Policeman" Kevin Placide against an opponent yet to be announced.