Monday Night at the Fights
Two boxers mix-it-up underthe watchful eye of referee Joe Caputo
By Martin Davies
Arriving at ten minutes past seven the seatingis already gone. The spectacle of twenty-four fighters ... withone woman waiting for an opponent ... rematches and a lot of actionlies ahead.
The tension builds quickly and arriving early is best for a goodvantage point in anticipation of the clashes. The universal appealof boxing is impressive and all walks of life are usually present- young, old, local and expat. Despite boxing being a regardedas a male dominated sport, there is even a ratio of men to women.
When fight time draws near the intensity in the room builds andby 9:00, usually, people are shoulder to shoulder with standingroom only. There are friendly wagers being made with each groupof friends supporting their favorites. There are definite favouritesand more than one punter deems theirs a lock.
The idea that boxing is the last bloodsport and its intrinsicappeal to man's most basic instinct strikes you. At least fourhundred and fifty pairs of eyes peer eagerly at the ring withless than half-hour before the fights begin. With heads bobbingeveryone leans to get a better view. People chatter loudly discussingthe upcoming battles. Such keen public interest is rare with othersporting events in Cayman.
People usually have to be turned away from the door as Bo Bo'sfills to capacity very early. The crowds grow impatient with rowsof people around fifteen in depth from the perimeter of the ringacross to the bar. The M.C's. jokes, mainly fall flat. Joe Caputois graced with the task of Referee - often a thankless role.
The first fight begins with blows flying in rapid succession andthe noise level reaches a deafening crescendo when one of thecontestants is knocked back. With the crowd screaming for bloodanother fighter is pummeled unto the ropes; the bell rings andthe referee struggles to separate them.
With every new contact the adrenaline level of the crowd alsoincreases. A surprising level of skill is evident even for amateurs.The first fight is a TKO and the referee proficiently checks thefighters in an effort to determine if he should stops the fightbefore any further harm is done- an act of good refereeing andreminder to the crowd that these are fun matches.
Some of the fighters follow in the footsteps of boxers who indays gone by made a name for themselves. Friends of the challengersare involved in corner work for the winner of the next fight andtheir love and knowledge of the sport is evident through theirefforts.
Speaking with some of the fighters before the fights begin, onetries to elicit their prediction. One stated gamely, "maythe best man win". Spoken like a true sportsman. The secondfight ended with a decision met with mixed approval form the crowd.There are usually no shortages of knockdowns and quick finishes.
At times one boxer will look much younger than the other, andthere may even be the impression that one boxer is more talentedthan the other. At rematches- losses are not readily acceptedshowing indomitable human spiritedness or hardheadedness. Laughteroften ripples through the crowd, as some contestants resemblekids fighting in a sandbox.
Two successful local entrepreneurs Tertius 'King' Broderick andTrenrick Coleman have hit a new winner for everyone involved."Hit" being the operative word. World Gym and BoBo IguanaSports Bar and Lounge through cooperation and effort provide agreat night out for the general public.
It is pleasing to see two Caymanian owned businesses working intandem in such a successful venture. Entry is open to anyone willingto compete. Safety for the fighters being a primary concern, eachfighter is equipped with head and body gear and mouthpiece toprevent injury.
What is commendable is that over $12,000 of the proceeds fromthe event will be given to the Cayman Islands Boxing Association.A very worthy organization. Which helps to take troubled youthfrom the streets and propel them towards training as future CaymanianOlympians.