Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/8417/-1/127/
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Young Anguillian Contender Floors St. Kitts Boxer
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Two Anguillian young men, involved in general sporting activities, have also developed an interest in boxing and had an opportunity to test their skills in this new-found sport in Sandy Point, St. Kitts, on Saturday, June 7.
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Boxers Cecil Hodge and Kesley Richardson and others
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One of them is 28-year-old Cecil Hodge Jr., of Little Dix, known to play various sports and works as a Night Auditor at CuisinArt Resort and Spa. “I fought in the junior welterweight division and won my opponent by technical knockout in 35 seconds in the first round. It was my first fight as well as that of my opponent,” said Hodge.
The other local boxer is 25-year-old Kesley Richardson of Rey Hill, who competed in the middleweight division. “My opponent was really tough,” he acknowledged. “We went the whole three rounds but I ended up losing by two points according to the judges’ decision. This was my first fight but it was his second. Richardson is a runner and a member of one of the Taekwondo Clubs in Anguilla.
The two young men were practicing boxing on their own until Calvin Carty, a former boxer in the United States, began coaching them. “I have to be excited,” Carty stated. “When we left Anguilla, nobody supported us or heard about us. The only support we got was from Anguilla Air Services. We went to St. Kitts and for the first time Anguilla scored a knock out through Cecil Hodge. As for Kesley, it was a war. Everybody in the stadium took to their feet and we only lost by two points. No problem, we will do it again.
“I fought in Oklahoma and Texas and never had the opportunity to represent Anguilla. We just needed an opportunity to shine. We do not have any equipment, but everyday we are doing what we have to do. We call ourselves the Anguilla Revolution Fighters. This fight was dedicated to all the women who took part in the Revolution. The revolution that we have today is to help our young people to get off the streets. Stop filling up the jails. Instead, let us fill up the boxing gym and represent Anguilla in timely fashion.”
Three other young boxers were in the Anguillian team, but were rejected as they were not within the required weight category. They were Kervin Benjamin, Quamaine Eli and Derrol Mitchel.
The inter-island match, between Anguilla and St. Kitts, was organised by the St. Kitts Amateur Boxing Association.