Boxing bronze

By Rawle Toney

Boxer Jabali Breedy became the first Barbadian athlete to secure a medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, taking bronze in the Men’s 57kg class in El Salvador.

It was a significant achievement for Breedy who finally clinched his first international medal after a series of unfortunate outcomes while representing his country.

He first disposed of Centro Caribe Sports’ Hansel Lopez on points (5-0), before he moved on to face Yunior Alcantara of the Dominican Republic in the semi-finals.

The 26-year-old Bajan suffered an injury in his bout against Lopez and was unable to fight in the semis, granting Alcantara a walkover to the finals.

Nonetheless, Richard Atwell, president of the Barbados Boxing Association (BBA), expressed pride in Breedy’s accomplishment, saying that the entire nation should be proud.

“It’s been a long time coming. Jabali is a diligent worker and his efforts are finally paying off. He has faced setbacks in the past, but we at the BBA are delighted to witness his success,” Atwell told Barbados TODAY.

“Jabali possesses the potential, the right attitude, and the proper mindset to go far, and we have always had confidence in his abilities. We are immensely proud. The support of the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) and the National Sports Council (NSC) has been instrumental in Jabali’s journey, and I’m pleased to see their investment bearing fruit.”

Meanwhile, 2018 CAC Games bronze medallist Kimberly Gittens lost to Cuba’s Yakelin Estornell on points in the women’s 75kg category.

The Cuban pugilist won the first round but Gittens would take round two to set up an exciting third and final round.

However, except for Nicaraguan Judge Jeffery Flores, the other judges scored round three in favour of Estornell.

Apart from Breedy and Gittens, Ju-sean Shepherd, Tyreece Taitt, and Charles Cox were the Island’s other representatives in boxing at the CAC Games.

rawletoney@barbadostoday.bb