‘Exciting times’ for new boxing executive

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 8 September 2017

Members of the CIBA executive with young boxers and coaches.

The newly elected executive of the Cayman Islands Boxing Association (CIBA) has been officially approved by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), according to President Leyla Jackson. Meantime, preparations are underway for the next two events in September and October.

Jackson, a certified technical official, was elected to the leadership role at an election in July, having previously served as vice president under former president Ann-Marie Byrd.

Leyla Jackson (file photo)

As previously reported, the new CIBA number two is Mike Laurenson of Elite Marble and Granite. “Mike has spent over a decade supporting boxing in Cayman, most recently as CIBA’s greatest private sponsor and title sponsor for the Elite Marble and Granite Fight Night events,” the association said in a release.

The newly appointed Secretary General is Lauren Dakota Mark. “While new to the Association, Lauren is a certified fitness instructor who also runs fitness and self-confidence class for young women and is a former boxer herself,” the release stated.

The Treasurer is Charmane Dalhouse, mother of one of Cayman’s top young female boxers, Chambria Dalhouse. “Charmane is also well versed in fundraising having played a pivotal role in the RCIPS Welfare Committee for a number of years,” CIBA noted.

Further boxing expertise is provided by former top amateur boxers Earnest Barnes, Troy O’Neil and Lee Murray, who, along with Michael Peart, Chad Scott, Angel Almanza and Jesse Bodden, have all been working in the gym over the last few weeks to strengthen and grow the programme.

In addition, Tristan Wesenhagan a boxing and fitness coach who is working with us to develop and expand out outreach and educational programmes.

Troy O’Neil is among those working with the young boxers.

Also joining the team to provide invaluable expertise is Dr. Jody Timpson, MD of NovoClinic Cayman located on Eastern Avenue. “Dr Timpson is an expert in Sports Medicine, generously sponsoring her time to advise the boxers on their medical and sports needs and as part of a new educational initiative on nutrition, avoiding injury and physical fitness. She joins Dr. Paul Williams of the HSA as our medical advisor,” the CIBA statement added.

Jackson said it was incredible to see the team pulling together ahead of the association’s Family Fun Day Fundraising Event on 16 September at the Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gym at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

“Everyone is working together and bringing their expertise to the table. The team has grown and some really talented young boxers are coming forwards, including some familiar faces like Diego Rodriguez. These are really exciting times and we are so proud of how hard the boxers are training. They are ready to showcase their skills so we hope that the public will come out on 16^th September to watch them in action,” Jackson said. The event begins at noon and runs until 6:00 p.m.

Tickets for the Family Fun Day are available now for $10, which includes entry and a chance to win raffle prizes.

The event will include live boxing bouts, pad work demonstrations and an opportunity for the public to learn boxing technique from Nayon ‘Donie’ Anglin, Rogerio Pitta and Chad Scott. Elite athletes Dariel Ebanks and Hopkin Ebanks will be in attendance along with familiar faces like Alexander Smith, Blayze Wood and Eduardo Montalvo.

New-comers to watch out for include Brandy and Sabien Barnes, Aaron Miller, Neandra and Junior Forbes-Morgan, Romario Campbell, Deandre Rowe, Antwoine Powell, Nathaan Hydes, Sheridan Zelaya, Keanu McField-Jackson.

Meantime, the next Elite Marble and Granite Fight Night event featuring Cayman’s top amateur boxers is scheduled for 28 October.