by Donella Hosten
5 Grenadian boxers returned home bearing medals on Sunday 11 December, after 5 days of facing intense competition at the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Barbados.
Receiving gold medals were Rufus Vesprey, Timon Gilbert and Joshua Redhead, while Nelon Cyrus and Brandon Taylor attained silver medals.
The young men, who were elated with their achievements, spoke highly about their coaches and welcomed the experience.
Timon Gilbert fought in the Youth Light Weight Category with 75kg won his single bout against his Dominican counterpart, leading him to capture gold. This was his first time representing Grenada regionally, and he is looking forward to other upcoming tournaments.
Nelon Cyrus who hails from Birchgrove, St Andrew, had 3 bouts — against a boxers from St Lucia, Jamaica, and Guyana. Although he won his first 2 bouts, respectively and lost the latter against the Guyanese, he was able to capture a silver medal, which he said is gold in his heart. “As long as my country is happy, I am happy.”
The guys agreed unanimously with loud cheers that they left Grenada as friends and returned as a family.
Joshua Redhead, who is referred to by his teammates as ‘The Executioner,’, was also the recipient of the Best Novice Trophy at the Tournament.
Redhead won his 2 bouts with the first one by points and the second one against Martinique by knockout in the first round. He said it is a proud moment for him and “it’s truly a great honour to represent my island.”
National Coach of the Grenada Boxing Team, Jewel Lewis and Head Coach and Manager of the travelling delegation, Sebastian Steill, both stated how proud they were of the boxers. Also travelling with the team was as Referee Judge, Lyle Bullen.
The other islands which participated in the Tournament included Barbados, Guyana, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St Maarten, US Virgin Islands and Trinidad & Tobago.
