Ninety boxers, elite, youth, novice, male and female, from around the Caribbean converged on the Vigie Sports Complex at the weekend for the 2024 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Boxing Invitational.
It was the biggest event ever put on by the Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA), and with scores of fans cheering the pugilists on between July 26 and 27.
In the elite division, Saint Lucia won the OECS title with 50 points, taking 10 gold medals, and 10 silver. Grenada were second with 18 points, capturing nine silver medals. And Martinique ended 14 points, inclusive of two gold medals, two silver, and one bronze medal.
Among the Saint Lucian gold medallists were Kurt Kirton, Orlando Monrose, Aidan Gerald, Joshua Rene, Keegan ‘The Hitman’ Mortley, and Kyle Marcell.
Trinidad & Tobago won the invitational category, totalling 33 points (10 gold, two silver). Guyana were second with 14 points (four gold, two silver). And Barbados copped third (13 points, three gold, two silver).
Special Awards went to the best schoolboy, Shawn Ramnath from Trinidad & Tobago; the best junior boxer, Ryan Rogers (Guyana); the best youth boxer, Saint Lucia’s John Didier; the overall best male boxer, Micheal Fidole of Martinique; and Guyana’s Abiola Jackman, the best female boxer. Saint Lucia won the trophy for best-dressed team.
The 2024 tournament was held under IBA-approved regulations.
I guess now “boxing in paradise” is okay…