The Anguilla Boxing Association is the grateful recipient of the much needed equipment, which was recently donated by the International Boxing Association, based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
President of the Anguilla Boxing Association, Mr. James Carty, told The Anguillian that the items donated are enough to rate the local facility – upstairs of the Eldorado Mall – as a professional boxing gym. Some of the items received include boxing gloves, punch bags, speed balls, head guards, gum shields, skipping ropes and focus punch pads.
Mr. Carty noted that another essential piece of equipment, a floor boxing ring, was shipped but is held up in Russia –
as a result of the conflict with Ukraine. However, it is expected to be released and shipped out soon.
“We have quite a number of young people who are boxing enthusiasts here,” said Mr. Carty.”Two of these youngsters, namely Curlun Richardson and Japheth Olton, are scheduled to represent Anguilla in the Commonwealth Games, in Birmingham, in July this year,” he noted. “Through their participation in the Commonwealth games, we are looking for any medal. It is our hope that these two youngsters perform at a level where they can qualify for the Olympics.”
Mr. Carty took the opportunity to make a strong case for boxing as a means of youth diverting their pent-up resentments: “I would like to see more young people become involved in the boxing sport,” he said. “Boxing is a contact sport, and evidently some people are opposed to it. However, boxing helps young people to gain confidence and self-esteem as they persevere to beat the odds.
“And it is not just about boxing. Many of the young people, here, who box have had issues at home – for example. Through boxing, we give them the chance to talk openly about their various situations. We are here to identify with them and help them to resolve personal conflicts.”
He continued: “We want to see our youngsters become engaged in a sport like boxing, and put away the guns. Here, at our gym, there are other avenues in which young people can get rid of untapped energies. We will help them to get rid of their social aggression and become involved in constructive ventures for their development –
instead of being just idle. And if they have that kind of aggression, then that is the aggression we are looking for – to channel it in the right direction.”
“Just look at Mike Tyson,” Mr. Carty reflected. “He was a perfect example. Society had called him a delinquent, but he became exposed to action in the boxing ring, and he was ‘delinquent’ enough to be the world champion of boxing.”
The Anguilla Boxing Association would like to publicly state that it is indeed grateful for the kind gesture shown to it by the International Boxing Association. The Association, in receiving the gifts, pledged that it will put them to good use.
The Anguilla Boxing Associations gym is located in the Eldorado Mall at The Water Swamp. Opening hours are: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Association invites all interested youths to participate in its training sessions. For registration or further information, telephone number 476-0886 may be contacted.
