Nikki Bascome To Host Free Sparring Session
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda boxer Nikki Bascome is holding an open sparring session on Saturday [September 27] at the Fresh & Hungry Boxing Club in Warwick in response to rising gun violence and anti-social behaviour on the island.
Bascome, who credits the sport with keeping him out of trouble as a teenager, is determined to use his platform to make a difference.
Under the guidance of his late coach, Allan “Forty” Rego, boxing provided Bascome with structure, discipline, and focus – lessons he now wants to pass on.
“We’ve got a gang problem in Bermuda – gun violence and anti-social behaviour,” Bascome, 34, told Bernews.
“With my platform and gym, I want to try and do everything I can to combat that and give young kids an outlet through boxing.
“Boxing is a great discipline and can help in your everyday life if you apply the same principles you learn in the gym.
“It will help youngsters physically and hopefully channel their energy into something positive, which is what boxing did for me.”
The free sparring session begins at 6pm and will feature approximately 11 three-round bouts for teenagers and adults.
No prior experience is required, making it accessible to anyone interested in stepping into the ring.
Fighters from other local gyms, including Controversy Gym, Aries Sports Centre and the Bermuda Sanshou Association, will also participate.
“Hopefully, these sparring sessions will give some of the kids their first impression of boxing,” said Bascome, a welterweight who has won 13 of his 15 professional contests.
“I’m just trying to help the best way I can. I don’t have all the answers.”
For more information about the event or to participate, interested parties can email fhboxingclubbda@gmail.com
Instagram: @fresh_and_hungry
The event is sponsored by Xtreme Sports, Arnold’s Supermarket, Elite Fitness, Annual Auto Care, Pitt & Company and Bermuda General Agency.
Great News!! Well done, Mr. Bascome!!
Excellent!! Each one reach one! We all have a part to play. WE should ALL be asking ourselves how we can assist. This is the Bermudian way! OUR boys, OUR problem. Let’s do this!!
Thank you for providing this, Such programs and various martial arts provide an outlet for all ages, especially for the younger generation, to have a coach / mentor where you are not judged by you peers = less chances of drugs, more focus, less peer “follow”
I have been a CPA and planner (a Bermudian) for 40 years in Miami, I see the statistics and hands down if you want ; students / youth ie your children or adults to be on the correct track Niki Bascome s boxing, marital arts etc is the correct path. I say the membership “first” then everything else will follow