Remember When: Nikki Bascome Makes Debut
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Today marks ten years since boxer Nikki Bascome made his professional debut when he defeated Jorge Quintero by unanimous decision at the Highlands County Fairgrounds in Sebring, Florida.
Despite launching his career overseas, Bascome has never since fought outside Bermuda, with the welterweight carving out a niche for himself as one of the island’s favourite entertainers, regularly filling out the Poinciana Ballroom at the Fairmont Southampton, where he has enjoyed his most memorable nights.
Forming an endearing double act with his longtime coach, Allan “Forty” Rego, whose impact on the local boxing scene is immeasurable, Bascome claimed impressive points wins over Guyanese Iwan Azore and Mexican David Rangel in 2017.
Bascome suffered his only defeat against Portuguese Fabio Costa, a fourth-round knockout later that year, and, following Rego’s death aged 86 in February 2018, briefly teamed up with Jeff Mayweather, the uncle of Floyd – the undefeated former multiple-weight world champion – training for months at a time at the fabled Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
The 33-year-old’s crowning moment came against Mexican David Martínez, who he beat on points in November 2018 to claim the International Boxing Association international welterweight title.
He has since fought on five occasions, including wins over Englishman Ryan Oliver and a pair of victories over Filipino Alvin Lagumbay.
Bascome, who has won 12 of his 13 bouts, has been name-checked by Bermudian pro boxers Andre Lambe and Tyler Christopher and promising amateur Adrian Roach for inspiring them to lace up the gloves.
