One Thrilling Night of Boxing

Dateline: October 23, 2009

Norman Manley, visionary that he was, probably did look into the future and see boxing vibrant and resurgent as it was on the night of October 10, 2009. Since he spearheaded the formation of the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control (JBBC) in 1929, boxing has indeed had its share of highs and lows. 2009 has truly seen a new life injected into the sport, and events like these will go a long way to proving that to all.

The Saturday Night Card at Barbican Beach was not just well attended. It was plain fun. The boxers put on excellent displays and the audience was interactive, supportive and lively. The event proved to be more than just a blip on the calendar with a total six of bouts featured on the card including two international match-ups.

Extraordinary Buzz

The Barbican Beach buzzed with excitement all through the night with the many socialites and their friends meeting and greeting each other, while other encouraged still more friends by phone to make the trip down. The seats were overflowing and any empty ones discovered were often commandeered to facilitate the groupings of friends. The vibe was nice as the sound system and its talented deejay peppered the air with the latest Jamaican dancehall tunes.

Amidst all the hobnobbing in the cool night air, the audience proved to be supportive to the boxers, getting involved in the matches, shouting encouragement along with the hardcore supporters of the battling gyms who often shouted wisecracks and one-liners like “Stand up and tek lik from the soldier, bwoy!”, “Lef’ him fi dead” and “Show him, you are the law!”, eliciting laughter from all those in earshot.

Electrifying Action

The first bout featured Germaine Scott of G4S gym against Winsett Scarlett from the Heavymetal gym in the Superheavy class. After the three two minute rounds, Scott was declared the winner to approving applause from the crowd and the G4S supporters. G4S is the newest gym but is making its presence felt in a big way.

Bout #2 featured Shantez McInness of the JDF gym against Adrian Matthews of the Stanley Couch gym in the Lightweight class. McInness proved the better fighter and was declared the winner.

Bout #3 proved to be one of the most exciting of the night with Montrose Lewis of the JDF gym up against Michael Holmes of the Bruising gym in the Middleweight class. Both fighters entered the ring like gladiators complete with their own dub plates and all. It was heartening to see the good sportsmanship on display during and after the fight with both boxers congratulating each other and their opponent’s support staff. Montrose Lewis of JDF was declared the winner and took the time to do the Lightning Bolt pose.

The break before the final two bouts saw tantalizing displays by the Locker Room girls. The audience was entranced but the men were particularly mesmerized by the lovely young ladies. The media was on hand to conduct on the spot interviews with the boxers, sponsors and the organizers.

Bout #4 featured the charismatic Sakima Mullings from the Bruising gym against Keithland King of Barbados in the Welterweight class. The fight proved to be entertaining and a good build up to the main event. Sakima Mullings prevailed and was declared the winner to rapturous applause.

Eagerly Awaited Feature

The feature bout of the night was the sole professional match that had been hyped in the media and proved a good drawing card for the event. By then the Barbican Beach crowd had swelled to over 400. Jamaican Middleweight Tsetsi Davis of the GC Foster College gym was scheduled to fight Rickardo Planter of Barbados. The fighters did not disappoint and after six 3 minute bouts, Davis was unanimously adjudged the winner. He has proven himself to be one to watch from the young new crop of stars emerging today in Jamaica's boxing arena.

Extra Special Guests

Special guests on hand included American champion boxer, Ms. Devonne Canady, a 2002 World Championship bronze medallist and Golden Glove Heavyweight Champion of 2000, boasting no less than 6 USA National Championship wins. She was presented with a token by the JBBC’s Vice President, Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones. Gary Bowen representing the visitors from Barbados was presented with a token by Ian Andrews from INSPORTS Ltd. Tribute was paid to former Jamaican pro boxer Ian ‘Hagler’ Smith who was there in person. The most promising gym award went to Bruising Gym.

Major sponsors of the night were INSPORTS Ltd., GNLD Nutrition, Burger King, First Caribbean International Bank, Supligen and Quick Signs.

Next up is the ‘Lik Him Shrimpy Lik Him’ boxing feature; the final in the Burger King sponsored boxing series for 2009. This event is set for St. Ann’s Bay on Saturday, October 24 and will honour Jamaica’s legendary boxer of international fame, Richard ‘Shrimpy’ Clarke.

Sandra Lloyd, Contributor