Boxer Adrian Roach Competes In Ecuador
The Bermuda Boxing Federation National Team competed in Guayaquil, Ecuador last month in the AMBC Elite Men’s & Women’s Continental Championships, launching the journey to the 2024 Olympics.
A spokesperson said, “National Team athlete Adrian Roach competed in the events quarterfinals on Thursday March 24th, hosted at the Coliseo Voltaire Paladines.”
Mr. Roach said, “I initially felt that I had let my Gym and my country down, but with the overwhelming amount of support and encouragement that came after the result, I realized that was not true. Whilst I was extremely disappointed, I’ve taken this time to reflect on my performance and immediately began to fix flaws that I personally observed.”
Linda O’Brien, BBF Vice President; Takeysha Atwell, Butterfield & Vallis Representative; Leo Richardson, BBF Coach; Jennifer Woods, BBF National Team Manager
The spokesperson said, “Following his loss, Roach remained in Ecuador and took a refreshingly positive approach, choosing to take in the remainder of the competition and using the opportunity to train and spar with competitors from around the world, some of whom will be some of the same faces he will encounter along his journey to fulfill his Olympic Dreams.
“Roach, whose skill and talent was initially honed through the continued guidance of Leo Richardson and The New Controversy Boxing Gym, highlighted the need for greater support of grassroots boxing and the gyms that facilitate it.”
Mr. Roach said, “The only way athletes like myself grow is through experience, and while this specific competition did not have the ending I may have wanted, it was definitely the ending I needed to evolve as an athlete.”
Coach Leo said, “It was a tough fight but Adrian did very well against one of the best guys in the tournament. Losing is a tough experience and it’s preparing him for a tough journey, but I couldn’t be more proud of him. He will make Bermuda proud.”
Linda O’Brien, BBF Vice-President, said, “We are very grateful to the Department of Youth and Sport and Bermuda’s corporate community who stepped in to help us to achieve this goal. As his first time representing his country, Adrian fought a hard first fight against Brazil, who ultimately would secure the win on points. Regardless, we are immensely proud of him.”
The event team manager said, “Like most sports over the past 2-3 years, boxing had been at a standstill, with opportunities for both our amateur athletes and events that would normally raise funds, being limited. We would like to thank our community sponsors for this opportunity: the Department of Youth and Sport, Accurate Pest Control, Butterfield and Vallis, 24/7 Ink, On Track and Kit n Caboodle.
“We also encourage anyone who would like to support our athletes or learn more about our programs to reach out and learn how.”
Mr. Roach said, “The fact that in less than five years, I’ve developed enough skills to compete on the world stage against opponents who have been fighting in world championships since before I started boxing, shows me that I belong here. I’ll be back, and with a chip on my shoulder. The journey is far from over.”
The spokesperson said, “For more information about BBF member gym and programs, visit the website at bermudaboxing.com.”
