Video: Adrian Roach After Boxing Match In NY
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Adrian Roach demonstrated his talent on one of the most iconic stages in boxing, stepping into the ring at the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, this weekend.
The Bermudian, who has 30 wins and seven defeats, faced Italian American Carmine Gentile in what was likely the penultimate fight of his amateur career, narrowly losing on points in a fiercely contested bout.
Gleason’s Gym, a storied venue where legends such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roberto Duran once honed their craft, provided a fitting backdrop for Roach’s showcase as he prepares to join the professional ranks after the Brampton Cup in Ontario in February next year.
The 22-year-old started strong, taking the fight to his taller, rangier opponent, arguably edging the opening stanza with his aggression and crisp exchanges.
However, Gentile, using his height and reach advantage, found his rhythm in the second round, controlling the distance with a sharp jab and began to seize the initiative after landing a well-timed left hook to the body.
Knowing he needed a dominant final round to claim victory, Roach pressed forward with determination, cutting off the ring and looking to land decisive blows.
Yet Gentile, a seven-time New York state champion, proved elusive, using his ringcraft and counterpunching to keep Roach at bay and secure the decision.
Bermudian boxer Adrian Roach takes on New Yorker Carmine Gentile at the iconic Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn tonight. Roach was defeated narrowly on points pic.twitter.com/dafNEEZLXL
— BernewsSports (@BernewsSports) November 24, 2024
“I knew he was a tough opponent, ranked number nine in the US, but I held my own in there,” Roach told Bernews.
“I take my losses like a man. Every time you take a loss, you learn a lesson.
Reflecting on the experience of fighting at a mecca of the sport, Roach, representing Crandall University in Moncton, Canada, said: “It was an honour to fight at this gym where all these greats have trained.
“I’d have liked to have taken home a win because it’s such an iconic spot.
“I felt like I was in the presence of greatness and hopefully it foreshadows what’s to come in the future.”
Bermudian amateur boxer @Adrian_Roach_ has a message for all his supporters back home in Bermuda after fighting at the iconic Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, New York, tonight pic.twitter.com/7YfgVc794Q
— BernewsSports (@BernewsSports) November 24, 2024
Roach, who has regularly trained in Las Vegas under esteemed coach Kay Koroma reaffirmed his plans to turn professional, believing his style is better suited for the pro ranks.
“I think my style has slightly outgrown the fast pace of the amateurs; I like to pick my shots a bit more,” the super-middleweight added.
“A lot of people have been telling me turn over and I’m taking heed of their words. I intend to make the island proud.”
