T&T Boxers Aim to Secure Pan Am Spots in Colombia

T&T boxers are set to compete at the Pan American Boxing Qualifiers, aiming to earn qualifying berths for the Olympic Games.

T&T's boxers are gearing up to compete in the Pan American Boxing Qualifiers in Colombia. The qualifiers, which will take place on Tuesday for the youth and juniors and on Friday for the seniors, are the last opportunity for fighters to earn points for the Olympic Games this year. Coach Reynold Cox emphasized the importance of executing well at the Pan Am Games in order to accumulate the necessary points.

To prepare for the qualifiers, the T&T boxers have been participating in a live-in camp in Colombia, where they have focused on fine-tuning their skills and adjusting their preparation methods. Cox explained that they have been working on improving explosiveness in the ring and increasing the number of punches thrown during fights. The boxers have also had valuable sparring sessions with fighters from Canada, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, and the host nation.

Cox stressed the significance of capitalizing on this opportunity, as there are only two more Olympic qualifying events scheduled for next year, which are likely to be held in countries that will pose challenges for the T&T fighters. The recent performances of the T&T boxers have not been up to par, with only Aaron Prince winning a bout at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador. Cox expressed his disappointment and called for more effort from his fighters.

Describing the upcoming qualifiers as a do-or-die situation, Cox expressed confidence in the readiness of the T&T boxers. He commended their efforts in listening to the coaches' instructions and acknowledged the high stakes of the qualifiers. The national boxing team consists of Nigel Paul, Aaron Prince, Ortega Jokhu, Jeremiah Thomas, Anthony Joseph, Angel George, and Tianna Guy.

In addition to the senior division, the Pan Am Qualifiers will also include a box-off for junior and youth boxers. T&T will be represented by Prince Charles, Judiah Blake, Matthew Newallo, Neraj Mahadeosingh, Anferney Baptiste, Mickel Medica, and Joshua Lewis in these categories.