7 boxing matches square off at the Biltmore

Training and preparations have been completed and now it’s on. Belizean and Mexican Boxers are squaring off in seven matches at the Biltmore. The locals are all hyped up and the visitors are up to the challenge. But who will ultimately be victorious? You’ll find out later tonight, but first News Five’s Isani Cayetano checked in on what the scales read.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A handful of amateur pugilists from Belize and Mexico took to the scale this morning to weigh in before tonight’s international boxing showcase.  The importance of the exercise was for sporting officials to be able to match up contenders based on different weight classes.  While doctors and trainers busied themselves weighing and making sure the blood pressure of each boxer met standard requirements others from the federation were adding the final touches to the squared circle.  Anthony Michael, Executive Director of the National Sports Council, says tonight’s fights will draw a wide range of boxing fans.

Anthony Michael, Exec. Dir., Nat’l Sports Council

“It’s tedious work.  It’s a lot of work.  It’s final preparation.  What got completed this morning is the official weighing of the guys.  All of them met their particular weight.  Dr. Cuellar from medical associates he went through the different basic medical examinations to make sure they are mentally, physically [prepared] and they are healthy to fight.  We are finishing adjusting up the rings and stuff, putting final details in place.”

Despite the height disadvantage the Mexicans brought along with them a laundry list of who’s who in the world of amateur boxing to square off with their neighbors south of the Rio Hondo.

Anthony Michael

Anthony Michael

“It’s gonna be a beautiful October 15^th today, Belize versus Mexico.  The Mexican delegation they are very mature, very professional.  Our Belizean athletes they are hype, they are enthused.  They like how it has been set up.  They feel very good that all their years of training will finally be put to a test to see at what level they are.”

Michael said they were initially providing seating for under two hundred fans but demand for tickets have been overwhelming.

Anthony Michael

“We invite the public to come out at 6 p.m. sharp.  Come out of work, stop in, we have limited seats.  I must stress that again the hype that is going on within the city and the country; right now our people are coming from far and near and we have about three hundred and eighty seating capacity and that’s all.  We won’t be having people standing around in the aisle so when three hundred and eighty people get in here that’s [when] we’ll have to turn back some people.  But we ask people to come early, be seated, we have refreshments on sale, food on sale, finger foods so there’s no need to say I have to go home and drink tea and then come here.  No.  We will not start at seven o’clock.  We will start at six o’clock sharp.”

The bouts which are touted as the revival of boxing in Belize will be aired on Channel Five with minute by minute commentary by sportscaster James Adderley. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.