“Bright Future For Next Generation Of Fighters”
The Bermuda Boxing Federation [BBF] said they see a “bright future for the next generation of fighters, with a statement made on Saturday Night by its member athletes after a long anticipated return to the ring.”
A spokesperson said, “Adrian Roach established at Fight Night Champion 2022 that he is the new top amateur boxer on the island, following a stellar performance against Jack Cabotaje from Canada.
“We are extremely proud of Adrian. Although Adrian was progressing dramatically through his regular work with coach Leo Richardson of Controversy Gym and national team training with Jermel Woolridge on island, we have seen a significant improvement in his skill set in his time at Crandall University under coach Jon Ohlhauser.
“Roach is in a high performance environment in Canada, training alongside a stable of equally young and eager national champions and experienced boxers. We know that taking advantage of training opportunities off island is always the right move for any athlete aspiring for greatness.
“Adrian will now have to focus on the American Boxing Confederation [AMBC] championships in Ecuador from March 22nd to April 2nd. This will be the first time Roach will represent Bermuda internationally and is an exciting step towards our Olympic aspirations.
“The amateur events were exhilarating and competitive. Dejon Benjamin’s bout with Isamel Mohammed made a compelling argument for fight of the night. As Dejon’s first time fighting as a super heavyweight, it is not unreasonable for him to have to work out the ‘kinks’ in carrying the extra muscle as he already does possess the requisite skill and power.
“Ngai Franklin demonstrated he is a capable fighter in his exhibition match with Michael Parsons, prompting immediate discussions about Ngai’s future. We are eager to sit with him and his coaches to lay out a formal plan.
“Juniors Noah Andrews and Ethan Daniels put on a fantastic exhibition especially considering that this was their first ever event. Jeron Guness of Bermuda Nak Muay has demonstrated his versatility as a coach and the Federation will continue to forge relationships with local gyms such as his which do not already fall under our banner.
“Together the Federation and coaches can work to grow the sport of boxing and support young athletes who are still just finding where their interests lay. We will continue to highlight dedicated boxing training as an essential foundation for other combat sports including kickboxing and muay thai.
“Overall Fight Night Champion 2022 was successful in pulling back together Bermuda’s combat sport community. It was great to see the boxing, muay thai and sanda gyms active after two years of uncertainty and postponements. The event was like a big family reunion for us in seeing persons like the Caines brothers, Jeff Sousa, Beverly Pitt and the countless other ‘die hard’ fight fans who always come out in support of local boxers.
“Special mention must be made of the BBF’s amazing team of volunteer officials: Zuriah Gibson-Daniels, Melissa Looby & Jennifer Woods; judges: Linda O’Brien, Chaquita Simmons & Shaun Richards; timekeepers: Phil Maybury & Robyn Swan; referees: Angela Hovi and Jared Jimenez.
“Bermuda Boxing commends Epic Entertainment for navigating through the many challenges of such an event exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Shed in Dockyard shows it has great potential as a location for regular boxing events.
“Finally, we join the rest of the island in sending our congratulations to Nikki Bascome and Andre Lambe on their victories.”
