Friday, December 4, 2009
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Female boxing show set for The Bahamas By KELSIE JOHNSON ~ NG Sports Reporter ~ kelsie@nasguard.com: 'Hitting the heavy bags,' was a term most used by men in boxing, but nowadays women are throwing the punches and making the discipline, one of the fastest growing sport in the world. With all the attention women's boxing is now receiving internationally, the Amateur Boxing Federation of the Bahamas (AFBA) does not want to be left out. Teaming up with the Champion Amateur Boxing Club, the AFBA was all set to host the Women's Boxing Road to London 2010 Olympics show, November 28, at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. Although the show has been postponed until March 2010, Michelle Minus, chief executive officer in First Class Promotions and promoter for the event, revealed that inquires from boxers and sponsors for the All Female Boxing Show are still coming in. She believes that the sport is going to catch on quickly and encourages more Bahamian females to get involved. "That particular card would have made history for The Bahamas in boxing," said Minus. "That would have been the first time in the history of the sport an all-female card would have been staged here. We are a little disappointed that it did not come off, but on the flip side, things are starting to look even better because the interest is growing fast here. Disappointments happen and we're disappointed. When we do stage this show in March, it is going to be bigger and better." Scheduled to headline the proposed Saturday, November 28 showing was Altonique Saunders, wife of Elkena 'Punisher' Saunders, the WBA FedeCaribe middleweight champion. Altonique was all set to take on American Tara Woods. Minus also revealed that two female boxers from the Misick's Boxing Club in Freeport, Grand Bahama were set to fight on the card. According to Minus, the show would have been the first in the Caribbean and despite the postponement, The Bahamas has still received encouragement from around the Caribbean region. Dispelling the rumors that the event was never going to take place, Minus revealed the main reason as to why the international boxers were not able to attend. She said: "The problem with the two ladies who were coming in from the United States was they didn't realize that they couldn't travel without a passport. They thought that they could use their state identification. They've never been outside of the United States so they are not aware of the traveling policy. They were at the airport trying to come in and were denied entry. "But, one of the female officials (referees), Debra Smith from Bermuda was in town. She enjoyed herself even though the event didn't take place. She said she is looking forward to returning for the event, so we're all excited about that. "Altonique Saunders was overwhelmed with the exposure the event was getting. She and the other two boxers from Freeport were very excited about showcasing their talents that weekend." Saunders continues to train under the watchful eyes of Ray Minus Jr. Both Michelle and Ray are encouraging females to get involved in the sport. Debut: Female boxer Altonique Saunders who was prepared to make her debut in the sport, November 28th, will now have to wait a few months longer. The show, Women's Boxing Road to London 2010 Olympics was postponed until March 2010.
Friday December 4, 2009 |
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