It was billed as a grand boxing exhibition. Turns out this was a clear case of false advertising by the St Lucia Amateur Boxing Association (SLABA), judging by what transpired Sunday afternoon in front of the Central Castries Market steps.
No one complained though, as boxers forgot all the niceties associated with staging an exhibition, threw caution to the wind and put on an entertaining show for a large appreciative crowd.
The cream of the crop of the SLABA talent was on display. Twenty two boxers in 11 bouts, entered the squared circle to display their boxing talent to the large crowd.
Several of the younger boxers put in good performances among them Brad Lewis, Jamal Mitchell, Joshua Duberry, Joshua Brown, the diminutive Mevon Phillip, Dimitri Charlery and Dillon Lionel. Among the seniors Alex Poyotte, Leroy James, Travis Maynard and Kyghan Mortley all distinguished themselves.
However for shear excitement two bouts topped the scale. The one between Adolph Augustin just back home from Canada for the funeral service of his grandmother and Yanic Leon was a slug fest. Then there was Ron Bastien and the 2011 boxer of the year Lyndell “The Russian” Marcellin squaring off with fistic furry and rage.
From a personal point of view, I looked forward to the last schedule bout between the dreadlock Arthur
Langilier and the well seasoned Darius Cetoute. I thought this would be a hum dinger. Boy was I wrong. There were a few blows exchanged, but nothing of any consequence. Then again this was only an exhibition, so you can hardly blame these two boxers for not going all out.
Acting SLABA President, Joseph “Reds” Perreira, was happy with the way things went and felt boxers gave a good account of themselves.
“The SLABA is very pleased with the whole event,” said Perreira. The conditions were very good. We thank the St Lucia National Lottery and other sponsors. The public was great and the boxers put on a very good show.”
The intent of this exhibition was to attract new members. Perreira feels this is a step in the right direction, which the
SLABA hopes to capitalize on with help from the authorities.
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