EIGHT Saint Lucian boxers left the island yesterday to compete in the 2nd Annual Caribbean Boxing Developmental Championships in Barbados which begins today and runs until Saturday.
Leading Saint Lucia’s charge at the championships is Lyndell Marcellin in the 69 kg weight class. Also on the team are Marvin Anthony (81 kg weight class), Arthur Langelier (75 kg weight class), Leslie Joseph (60 kg weight class), Nathan Farrier (64 kg weight class), Kareem Boyce (60 kg weight class), JavannusFevrier (60 kg weight class) and Omar Mann (56 kg weight class).
The Team Manager is Garvin Niles.
Upon going to press, it was still uncertain as to whom the Saint Lucian boxers will face in the first round of competition.
According to Saint Lucia’s Boxing Head Coach, Conrad Fredrick, the boxers had been in training for well over two months and have been building confidence and looking for good results.
In terms of training, Conrad said: “The boxers went through a series of speed and endurance training both on the road and beach, as well as weight lifting complemented by intense workout at the Vigie Gym.”
He continued, “I am expecting the younger boxers to step up to the plate because this championship is for them; it’s for their overall development and I do hope they make the best out of it against their peers from the region.
“The likes of Lyndell Marcellin, Arthur Langelier and Marvin Anthony have been there before and have championed Saint Lucia’s cause with distinction by winning gold. So I expect the trio along with Nathan Farrier, who was voted the Best Boxer in a Developmental Championship in Guyana earlier this year, to make a podium finish.”
Also in Barbados is First Vice President of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA), Julie Bonnet, who is currently participating in an International Boxing Association (AIBA) Certification Programme.
Meanwhile, SLAB President, David Christopher, will travel to Barbados on Thursday for the tournament where he and other boxing presidents from the region will meet with AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu to discuss the future of boxing in the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia finished in third place at the tournament held in Guyana last year.