It was mission accomplished by Cayman’s boxing contingent in Tampa over the weekend, but they still have a long way to go. Five won, four lost and two others were awarded wins by default. At least the losers had the satisfaction of not being stopped or knocked out.
Head coach Donie Anglin was satisfied with the overall results on the Hurricane Boxing Club’s show at the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church.
Cayman boxers dominated the bill. There were 15 contests in total and Caymanians were in nine on Saturday. Celebrity guests included former heavyweight champ Tony ‘TNT’ Tucker and Christy Martin, the former fighter who inspired many women to get into the sport. She was commentating for TV.
Anglin said: “All things considered, I’m satisfied. Kendall Ebanks was sick going into his fight with a heavy cold. He lost on points but had he been in better shape [he] might have won. He needs to train harder and be more focused.
“Jessica McFarlane-Richards was sick too with the same thing. She won but had to fight really hard. She was gasping for breath at the end and almost passed out and needed her inhaler. I admire her courage.”
Anglin was disappointed that Tracey Seymour and Aaron Powell were not matched. They still got winners trophies by default, but their victories were hollow.
“Aaron’s opponent pulled out at the weigh-in for whatever reason. I’m sorry that Tracey worked hard for months to get her weight down and get in shape but didn’t fight. I really wanted to see how well she would do. With women allowed in the next Olympics in 2012, time is running out.”
Tafari Ebanks was a notable winner, stopping his opponent with a nose injury – possibly broken – in the second round. “Tafari was impressive. He followed instructions beautifully. Dwayne Anglin lost on points but he was suffering from stomach cramps. He could have still won.
“Peter ‘Lightning’ Lewison fought the right fight in his win. He was impressive but the other guy didn’t fight smart. Peter boxed well all the way through and showed good technique.
“Erick McField also fought well in winning by third round stoppage. His movement was excellent. He kept the pace up and was always composed and busy.
“Ansel Lawrence was having his first bout and got stopped in the first. But he fought the guy Dariel Ebanks (Cayman’s top amateur with an 8-0 record) was supposed to meet. Ansel is tough and determined in the gym. He punches hard and will be given an opportunity to develop.”
Anglin’s son Jason Parchment was outworked and lost on points. Parchment is tall like dad but doesn’t use his long jab to best effect, preferring to mix it at close range, which opponents relish.
“Jason has to learn to listen and follow instructions,” Donie said. “He never uses his ability and all his tools. He needs to pop his jab more and keep it long range.
“Gino ‘Crusher’ Brown won on points, but he has a lot to learn and was fortunate to get a smaller opponent. He needs to lose more weight and develop his uppercuts and hooks. As a super-heavyweight he also shouldn’t try to follow the lighter boxers by doing the shuffle.”
Overall the trip was a great learning experience. Besides Anglin, the coaches were Norman Wilson, Troy O’Neil and world class pro Charles ‘The Killa’ Whittaker, all of whom took turns working the corner. Wilson is also Killa’s trainer. Thomas Ebanks, president of the boxing association, also went to ensure things went smoothly. Seymour and McField were team captains and did a good job.
Anglin said: “I’m grateful for Tommy’s help. He did a great job in guiding everyone and sorting things out and getting sponsors. We also want top thank all the generous sponsors from our bike-a-thon which gave us the extra funds needed. ”
The Ministry of Sports was the main sponsor, and there was also a helping hand from Cayman Airways on discounted tickets. As the plane landed at Owen Roberts Airport an announcement was made that the successful Cayman boxing team was on the flight, which generated spontaneous applause.
When Cayman hosts fighters from overseas, they go out of their way to make their stay memorably pleasant, such as meeting them at the airport, ensuring they get safely back to the airport and in time for the flight home, providing transport, taking them to sights, providing any necessary services and equipment and ensuring their food and accommodation is enjoyable. Cayman didn’t get any of that from the Hurricane Boxing Club. Also, the lighting at the show was appalling, which meant high quality video and photography was compromised.
Nevertheless, Anglin was pleased with the showing, but wants his boxers to get more focused.
Even though they train every night for two hours with him, he feels they could be doing far more away from the gym. “Punching the bag is easy, but it’s what they do outside that counts. Like running, conditioning and working on their strength and technique.
“Some of them will be fighting again on the white collar bill at Margaritaville on 4 December and we’re going to invite boxers from Barbados, Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago to come here in early February.”
Related Videos
