‘I’m the same as you – no more, no less. We’re equals!’ was the advice offered by champion boxer Charles Whittaker, to boys resident in the Bonaventure Boys Home.
Champion boxer Charles Whittaker with Bonaventure residents, and Care Manager Antony Scott (R). Photo: GIS |
‘However, you’re at a critical time in your lives, and hopefully what I say will awaken something within you, and cause you to choose, or continue on, the positive path.’
Not mincing words, the fighter offered tough love, along with personal experiences and genuine concern for the future of the boys, who are ages 12 to 16 years.
Pulling no punches during his visit to the facility last week, the boxer said, ‘Be young men, and stand on your own two feet; pull your pants up from around their knees; carry yourself with pride, dignity and self-respect; develop faith in God; get an education!’
Acknowledging that he too grew up in a difficult environment, he told the youths not to make negative circumstances become a detriment to themselves: ‘Many great men come from humble beginnings. However, an undisciplined life leads to a dead end of either prison or death, and you’re all too young, and have too much to offer, to be heading down that road.’
On the issue of others’ negativity, Whittaker said, ‘Make believers of those who don’t believe in you, then inspire them and give them hope!’ He cautioned, ‘You live in a society that likes to stigmatise and stereotype people. When you set out to achieve extraordinary things, other people will try to make you believe that it’s not for you. This even includes your family, friends and teachers.’
He shared that 18 years of negativity fuelled him to win the NBA National Boxing Association’s Junior Middleweight World Championship belt on 30 September. He also defended his WBC Caribbean Championship during the same fight.
‘As I prepared to go into the ring I heard every negative comment and remark, then I confidently looked in the mirror and said to myself, ‘What will those people say tomorrow?”
He added that many people tried to dampen his dreams, saying that he was crazy and hopeless, and that he should give up, even after he eventually started to win fights.
‘I used their negativity as a reason to succeed. Allow no one’s opinion of you to become your opinion of yourself. You don’t have to fit in with the crowd – trust in God and be persistently consistent.’
An energetic, but troubled youth, Whittaker said his ‘bad behaviour’ led to him spending seven years in reform school in Jamaica. ‘I was an angry youth, and liked to fight a lot, but I found myself at a crossroads and had to decide my life’s path.
‘It was during those years that I decided to channel my energies into boxing.’ Explaining the resulting benefits, he said, ‘I learned to communicate, to participate in a group, and the meaning of sacrifice and the pride of self-accomplishment.’
While encouraging the boys to have high hopes and aspirations for life, he also admonished them to follow life’s ‘rules.’
‘Make a positive attitude adjustment; have respect for the law; and develop discipline, without which you will have a lack of self-respect and respect for others. Life is for the mentally strong! That’s the biggest strength you need. I’ve been through it all. You all understand, and have to make your own choices.’
He also spoke of the difference between organised boxing matches between trained professionals, and street fighting, and encouraged the youths to find ways to disagree with others without being violent. ‘There’s no malice or hatred in boxing – it’s a sport with rules. In contrast, street fighting has no rules and is very dangerous, so learn to solve problems with your minds, and not your fists,’ he added.
While explaining his wins, and displaying his championship belts, be advised: ‘I’ve learned more from my losses than my wins. Loss and experience build character – to be humble, patients, and mindful of your actions.’
The Bonaventure talk was one stop in a series of school visits. Whittaker also visited the Lighthouse School, and the John A. Cumber and North Side primary schools before leaving for Florida, where he is in training for future fights.
(GIS)
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