Potts wants $2m for boxing

INTERNATIONAL matchmaker Buxo Potts has come out strongly for the inclusion of a Tobago representive on the Boxing Board of Control. Potts, who said he was born in Mt Irvine in the sister isle, charged  that it was the responsibility of the government to amend the laws of boxing so that both islands of the union can have an equal say in the affairs of the sport. The matter came to a head after it was reported that Tobagonian Winchester Codrington was recommended to be appointed on the new Boxing Board of Control, but because of a literal interpretation of the Boxing Board Act of 1933, he could not be named. According to Potts, a former jockey who is a resident of Trinidad, Chapter 21:52, Part Two, Rules of Boxing states clearly “The Trinidad Boxing Board of Control,” hence the reason, he believes, for the omission of the Tobago representative. He admits that it was an obvious faux pas, but is calling on Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes, to immediately have the laws drafted to make it possible for the inclusion of Winchester or others from Tobago deemed suitable to occupy the position.

Winchester is a well known boxing personality in the sister isle and has been credited with the early development of Kerston Manswell, the national and Caribean heavyweight champion. Manswell also copped silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and Central American and Caribbean Games last year. Potts said yesterday he was amazed that there were still stumbling blocks in the way of the proper administration of the sport despite assurances from the authorities that everthing would be put in place to get the sport off the ground. “It is a shame that Tobago could be treated this way after producing this country’s first world title through Claude Noel. Also his cousin David is a former national and regional title-holder who has done the nation proud,” said Potts. He said to properly administrate the sport, the Boxing Board, headed by chairman Melchoir Taylor must be given the funds to do their job and not a mere pittance to cover travelling expenses and other trivial matters.

“I think that two million dollars should be granted every year to run boxing with ordinary members collecting $2,000. a month and the chairman $3,000,” said Potts. He said the board members must be given all resources within reason to conduct their affairs and only then can they be held accountable for the state of the sport. He said there is no shortage of talent in Trinidad and Tobago since a fragmented administration over the recent past, devoid of financial assitance, has produced regional and world class boxers and now, with the support of government will continue to defy the odds. Speaking from his decades of experience, Potts urged trainers and coaches to get their charges in action and ensure that they stick to their training regimen, working on the road and in the gym to get into top shape for upcoming cards. “We must get the fighters spiritually and physically fit for the challenges ahead.” “We must aspire to be a surprise package for the promoters around the world who only give us seven days notice to put out boxers against the finest in the world. Our fighters must be prepared to rise to these occasions and come out victorious when the opportunities present themselves,” he said.