The USVI Boxing Federation attended the Paul Murphy Title Boxing Tournament, Southwest Championships in Doraville, Georgia, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2. The tournament hosted over 500 boxers from across the United States.
Five boxers along with their coaches attended, displaying great talent and skills.
The youngest upcoming boxer, 12-year-old Cuthbert Dabrio, made his official debut in Atlanta boxing at 83 pounds with an opponent from Ohio. Dabrion started his first round with an explosion of punches, setting the pace for the rest of the match. In the end, he won the fight and was given the winning belt. His first time in the ring was on Aug. 17 during his exhibition match against Puerto Rico.
Jose Peguero boxed twice at 152 pounds open class. On Saturday, Aug. 31, he won his match against an opponent from Indiana, and on Sunday, Sept. 1, he won his match against an opponent from Atlanta, Georgia. Peguero won his match by starting round one with punches to the body and throughout the match, landing power punches that slowed his opponent. This was Peguero’s third belt, and he remains the reigning champion in his weight class.
Clayton Laurent Jr. boxed in the 200 +, open class category against his opponent from Atlanta, Georgia. Laurent stopped his opponent in the third round with a left hook to the body. This is his third belt, and he remains the reigning champion in his weight class.
Trai Mahoney boxed at 118 pounds as a novice against an opponent from Philadelphia. It was obvious to everyone in attendance that Mahoney won the bout by outpunching and landing more punches than his opponent; however, the judges did not see it that way. Even the referee thought Mahoney won because at the announcement of the winner he handed Mahoney the winning belt but soon after called him back in the ring and apologized, then gave him the second place trophy.
Tiffany Reddick was unopposed during this tournament. Tournament officials informed us that although Reddick only has seven bouts and is considered a novice because of her international experience, they thought she was too experienced for the other female novice boxers attending the tournament. Because of this, she was unable to box.
The federation is extremely proud of its boxers and because of the talents displayed at this tournament, it has been invited to participate in other tournaments throughout the United States.
For more information, contact us at 227-3158 or 227-3159.