The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) has been roundly congratulated for hosting the 2025 AMBC Caribbean Boxing Championships.
The competition took place over the weekend at the Beausejour Gymnasium, with approximately 50 boxers from five territories taking part. This was the first time that regional boxers had gathered in an official competition since 2019.
Two gold medals, seven silver, and one bronze medal gave the home team 21 points and a commendable third-place finish. With nine gold medals and 35 points, Guyana took the top spot. Trinidad and Tobago got five gold medals and 28 points for second. Antigua & Barbuda were fourth, and Guadeloupe fifth.
For Saint Lucia, Alex Nachan defeated Guyana’s Ken Harvey in the 60kg junior final, and John Didier bested Osahar Browne of Antigua & Barbuda in the 92kg youth category. Nachan also won the award for best junior boxer.
Ervin Thomas took silver in the 66kg junior, Gerald Aiden in the 60kg novice, Orlando Monroe the 71kg youth, Denzel Stephen 67kg youth, Danaii Cooman 60kg elite, Justie Surage 67kg elite, and Kyle Marcel 80kg elite. Arthur Langellier was third in the 71kg elite.
International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev issued a congratulatory note to the SLBA. With Guadeloupe entered as an overseas department of France, the four independent territories which competed in Saint Lucia are all IBA members.
“Associations and federations like yours exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement, paving the way for future generations of talented boxers,” wrote Kremlev. “The AMBC Caribbean Boxing Championships hold significant importance in nurturing regional talent and advancing the sport of boxing throughout the Caribbean. Here, diverse cultural and socioeconomic factors shape the experiences and opportunities of our athletes.
“This tournament not only serves as a platform for local boxers to compete at an international level but also fosters unity and growth. Your diligent planning and collaboration with local and international stakeholders have ensured that this event is organised to the highest standards, celebrating not only the sport of boxing but also the vibrant culture and renowned hospitality of Saint Lucia.
“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to elevating boxing and for the positive impact you have made on the broader boxing community. This competition was a remarkable success, filled with outstanding performances and unforgettable memories!”
Representatives from the competing countries echoed the words of the IBA chief, thanking Saint Lucia for putting on an excellent event. The Bahamas, Martinique, St Maarten, and Puerto Rico had been expected to take part, but did not show up. Seven Caribbean nations – Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and Suriname – are affiliated with IBA’s rival, World Boxing.
