Dominica overcame tough competition from favourites Grenada and hosts St. Lucia to capture the OECS 2007 Amateur Boxing Title on December 2nd. It was an interesting turn of events which doused the host country visible victory celebration before the official announcement was made. As the tournament neared its climax, the atmosphere shifted from cheering in the St. Lucia team room to shouts of elation in the Dominica camp.

The men of the “Nature Isle” urged on by supporters who joined the mission from Roseau snatched the tile with 16 points overall. The competition was judged based on points scored in each division throughout the tournament. Dominica also captured the individual award for the best boxer of the tournament through light heavyweight champion Lennox Bannis. Dwight Lewis manager of the victories team from the land of many rivers summed up the level of election in his camp;  “We have been waiting for this for a very long time and we got it.” 

Despite failing to capture the top spot, former boxing kings Grenada mustered 13 points to take second place. They were also among the individual awards with Randell Dowden adjudged the most promising boxer. Grenada also displayed brilliant corner management style as well as constant communication between the technical staff and their competitors during fight. Speaking after the event the team told us they are eager to host the championships in St. Georges next time around. They further warned that their contingent for the competition in St. Lucia was not the full squad.

St Lucia, a former powerhouse in OECS Amateur Boxing fell short of their previous glories but scored a few knockouts, no contests and RSFs (Referee Stops Fight) on their way to third place. St. Vincent and the Grenadines who showed flashes of brilliance and tremendous enthusiasm finished fourth on nine points. They too handled their boxers professionally often chairing them on from the corner. St. Vincent and the Grenadines also scored the upset of the tournament as Jazel Lewis beat Jewel Lewis of Grenada 6-5 on points in a light-welterweight contest. Jewel Lewis was a former Caribbean Champion and former best boxer at the Caribbean amateur level.

The OECS programme had played a major role in the restart of the Caribbean Boxing Championship. Peterkin added that he was pleased to see the President of the Caribbean Boxing Association Ralph James and the Secretary Kathy Harper Hall, along with a number of regional referees and judges officiating with their local counterparts from St Lucia.

The OECS Sports Desk looks forward to the 2008 OECS Boxing Championship in St. Georges and plans to meet with the Grenada Federation early next year. The Caribbean Boxing Championship of the same year is scheduled for the US Virgin Islands in June.