THE Anglophone Caribbean is pushing for recognition of its outstanding boxers on an annual basis through the presentation of awards. This was disclosed by Chairman of the Caribbean Boxing Steering Committee (CBSC) and vice- president of the Americas Boxing Confederation (ABC), Steve Ninvalle.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport by telephone from Oslo, Norway where he is attending a meeting, Ninvalle informed that the CBSC has approved in principle for the hosting of the annual awards but the modalities are still to be worked out.

“At the level of the Steering Committee we believe that recognition of athletes from their community is important. Rewards and recognition are both motivational tools that obviously will contribute to enhanced commitment and performance of boxers.

“We feel that a show of regional appreciation is paramount and will form another pillar in the development of the sport in CARICOM,” Ninvalle declared.

Acknowledgement will be given to boxers in all categories including Schoolboys and Juniors. Coaches will also be honoured when the award ceremony is held.  Ninvalle, also president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) explained that the first ceremony is scheduled for 2020.

“Our intention was to have our first Caribbean Boxing Awards this year but there is still much work to be done and at this point in time 2019 seems unlikely. However, you can rest assured that there will be Caribbean Best Boxer (male and female), Elite, Youth, Junior and Schoolboy by the end of 2020.

According to Ninvalle, countries will be required to send in their nominees in each category with the requisite information relating to achievement during the calendar year. The same goes for coaches. The CBSC was formed last February with the mandate to chart and promote the development of boxing in the Region.

It has a life of four years. Ninvalle was elected unopposed as was his vice-chairman Cecil Forde of Trinidad and Tobago, widely regarded as the Caribbean’s elder statesman.

The four committee members elected are: Dr Debra Stephen-John of Grenada, Leyla Jackson of Cayman Islands, David `Shakes’ Christopher of St Lucia and Jose Rosario of US Virgin Islands. AIBA Three Star referee James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago was nominated Special Adviser to the committee.