Team Saint Lucia returned triumphantly from last weekend’s Caribbean Trophy Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe, securing an impressive six medals and clinching a hard-fought third-place finish.
Guadeloupe emerged as the overall champion, with Martinique taking second place.
However, Saint Lucia’s six-member team displayed their talent and determination, winning three gold medals, two silver, and one bronze against tough competition, including teams from Canada, French Guiana, and St. Martin.
Led by team captain Kyghan Mortley, and featuring top ranked boxer John Didier, Nathan Alex, Danaii Cooman, Justice Joseph, and Kyle Marcel.
A standout moment of the tournament was 15-year-old Alex Nachan’s remarkable triumph, as he dominated his Martiniquan opponent, forcing a concession in the second round to secure a well-deserved gold medal.
Nachan, who was recently named the best Junior Boxer at the AMBC Caribbean Championships in Saint Lucia, consistently applied pressure in the 60-kilogram junior class.
In the 75-kilogram senior elite final, Kyle Marcel, who had defeated Anthony Mauge of Martinique in the semifinals, faced off against team captain Kyghan Mortley. This match represented sweet revenge for Marcel, who had lost to Mauge weeks prior.
Ultimately, Mortley claimed victory, providing Saint Lucia with both gold and silver in that division.
John Didier, acclaimed as the ultimate “Knockout Specialist,” electrified the arena in his 92kg light-heavyweight final against Canadian champion Richelet Richet. Didier dominated the ring, delivering a relentless barrage of heavy blows that forced three eight-second counts in the first round.
Justice Joseph earned a silver medal with a strong performance in the 67kg category, while Danaii Cooman secured a bronze medal after a valiant effort in the 60kg elite semifinals.
With a significant haul of medals and an undeniable sense of pride, the team returned home on Sunday, under the leadership of head coach Conrad Fredericks, senior coach Yunior Quintero-Perez, manager Shannon Lebourne, and delegation head David Christopher.