Grenada among seven nations endorsed by World Boxing

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 30, 2026 - Grenada has taken a significant step onto the international boxing stage after the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was officially endorsed for membership by World Boxing.

The announcement came as World Boxing’s Executive Board approved seven new National Federations. The other newly endorsed members include Antigua and Barbuda, Cameroon, Curaçao, Gabon, South Africa, and Vanuatu.

With this approval, the Boxing Association of Grenada is now eligible to participate in World Boxing-sanctioned events.

The move also signals that Grenada has met strict international standards, including governance transparency, anti-doping compliance aligned with global protocols, and the establishment of fair dispute resolution systems.

Vice President of the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc., Dr Deborah-Ann Stephens-John, welcomed the endorsement as a defining moment for the sport locally.

“This is a proud and historic achievement for Grenadian boxing. It reflects the hard work, structure and accountability that we have been building over the past few years,” Stephens-John said.

“Our boxers now have a clear and credible pathway to international competition, and this will serve as a major boost to the development of boxing across the island.”

She also pointed to the immediate opportunities now available to local boxers.

“Grenada has boxers who can participate in the Commonwealth Games. We have one based in England and at least three here at home who are actively preparing for that level.”

Emphasising the broader vision, Stephens-John stressed that success will be measured beyond podium finishes.

“It’s not only about winning; it’s about the development of the athlete, building experience, discipline, and long-term growth within the sport.”

She revealed that local activity is already being ramped up to support that development.

“We are preparing locally for an event in Carriacou in July and another on the mainland at the end of August. These competitions are important as we continue to build the sport from the ground up.”

This latest development follows a previous attempt by Grenada to secure membership in World Boxing. Last year, the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) raised concerns that led to the withdrawal of the application, citing that the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was not formally recognised by the national Olympic body at the time.

In response, the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. undertook corrective measures, submitting the required documentation, including a comprehensive report outlining its annual activities and a structured programme for the development of boxing on the island.

The Association has been legally registered as the governing body for boxing in Grenada since 2022, strengthening its case for international recognition and ultimately paving the way for this successful endorsement.

Dr Stephens-John acknowledged the journey to this point.

“This was not an overnight success. We had to regroup, strengthen our documentation, and demonstrate clearly that boxing in Grenada has both structure and vision. I commend the entire team for staying the course.”

One of the immediate benefits of this endorsement is eligibility for participation in the boxing competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be conducted under World Boxing’s rules.

“The opportunity for our boxers to compete at the Commonwealth Games is invaluable,” Stephens-John noted. “It gives them exposure, experience, and belief that they belong on the international stage.”

Grenada joins World Boxing as an “Endorsed Member,” a designation that allows competition participation but does not yet grant voting rights at the organisation’s Congress. Advancement to “Full Member” status will be determined at the next World Boxing Congress, scheduled for November 20, 2026, in Panama.

Should Grenada secure full membership, it would gain voting privileges and a stronger voice in shaping the future of international boxing governance.

World Boxing was established by a coalition of National Federations worldwide in response to the International Boxing Association's derecognition. The move followed persistent concerns about Olympic-style boxing’s international governance, in which longstanding issues related to sporting integrity, transparency, administration, and financial management had put the sport’s Olympic future in jeopardy.

Those concerns were repeatedly raised by the International Olympic Committee, ultimately leading to the IBA’s removal from Olympic recognition and creating the need for a new, credible global governing structure.

While the IBA, under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, continues to stage its own world championships and professional, high-prize competitions, it remains largely isolated from Olympic involvement due to the governance and integrity issues that prompted its derecognition.

With the addition of the seven new federations, World Boxing’s membership has now expanded to 175 National Federations worldwide, reflecting the organisation’s rapid growth since its launch in 2023. The body has already made significant strides, including securing provisional recognition from the IOC in February 2025 as the governing federation for boxing within the Olympic Movement.

Grenada Sports at a Crossroads: Collaboration, Not Control, Must Shape the Way Forward

 

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s sports landscape stands at a critical juncture. The talent is undeniable, the passion remains strong, and the potential is vast. Yet, progress continues to be undermined by a recurring problem that the sporting community can no longer afford to ignore: fragmentation, ego-driven leadership, and an outdated culture of control rather than collaboration.

For a small island state like Grenada, collaboration is not optional — it is important. Our limited resources, small population, and shared objectives demand a unified approach. Instead, too often, sport is treated as private property, guarded by a few self-seeking individuals who behave as though nothing can happen without their approval or involvement. This mindset has slowed development, discouraged innovation, and alienated capable contributors who are willing and able to help.

Sports development cannot thrive inside an “exclusive club.” When decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a select few, opportunities narrow, ideas stagnate, and trust erodes. Grenada has witnessed too many instances where progress is delayed, partnerships are resisted, and initiatives fail — not because of a lack of vision, but because collaboration was never truly embraced.

As Grenada looks ahead to 2026, there must be a deliberate and strategic shift in focus. While traditional and high-profile sports continue to command attention, equal effort must be placed on reviving and developing other sporting disciplines that have either stagnated or been neglected. Tennis and Boxing stand out as two such sports that require urgent attention, clear direction, and unified leadership.

Tennis, once a vibrant and competitive sport in Grenada, has suffered from long periods of inactivity and weak organisational structure. Without a coordinated national programme, consistent competitions, and proper development pathways, young athletes are left without opportunities to progress. Reviving Tennis will require collaboration between administrators, schools, clubs, the private sector, and international partners.

Boxing presents an even more complex challenge. The existence of two boxing associations competing for relevance has created confusion, diluted resources, and stalled development. In a small sporting environment like Grenada, duplication serves no one. A collaborative framework — whether through unification, cooperation, or clearly defined roles — is important if Boxing is to regain credibility, attract sponsorship, and provide safe, structured opportunities for athletes.

The way forward requires a broader national consensus — one that includes coaches, athletes, administrators, educators, sponsors, media, and grassroots organisers. Sustainable sports development cannot be driven by personalities; it must be anchored in systems, policies, and shared goals. Transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation must replace secrecy, favouritism, and territorial thinking.

A broader consensus involves listening to those on the ground. Our coaches in the rural parishes and our sporting legends living abroad have a wealth of knowledge that is currently being underutilised because they aren't part of the "established" cliques.

As Grenada positions itself for growth in sport beyond 2026, there is hope that attitudes will evolve. Hope that collaboration will replace control. Hope that sport will be recognised not as a platform for personal power, but as a national tool for youth development, social cohesion, and international representation.

Grenada does not lack talent or ideas. What it needs now is collective will — a commitment to work together for the good of sport and, ultimately, for the good of the nation.

FLASHBACK: Rolande Moses 2008 Beijing Olympics

2010 National Sports Awards this weekend

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 26, 2011 – Grenada’s sports personalities for 2010 will be announced at a ceremony at the Grenada Trade Centre on Saturday.

Twenty-three nominees from 14 national associations will be vying for the prestigious awards of sportsman and woman of the year.

The ceremony, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held under the patronage of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Carlyle Glean and Lady Glean.

The nominees include World Junior 400m champion, Kirani James; West Indies cricketer Devon Smith and national footballer Kithson Bain in the male category while the female nominees will be highlighted by the performances of CARIFTA and Caribbean Island Swimming Championships gold medallist, Oreoluwa Cherebin; track athlete, Kanika Beckles and netballer Lottysha Cato.

The junior sportsman and woman, selected by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, will also be announced on the night.

Two special awards will also be presented as well as tributes to stalwarts who passed on and contributed immensely towards the development of sports in Grenada.

The guest speaker will be the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin.

The full list of nominees:

Athletics – Kanika Beckles & Kirani James

Basketball – Christa Stephens & Michael Bonaparte

Bodybuilding – Damion Daniel

Boxing – Chloe Toussaaint & Kandel Dowden

Cricket – Devon Smith

Cycling – Sydney George Walters

Football – Rockel Hood & Kithson Bain

Netball – Lottysha Cato

Swimming – Oreoluwa Cherebin & Nicholas Coard

Taekwondo – Aakeem Whiteman

Table Tennis – Giselle Chetram & Agbi Harford

Tennis – Lois Alexis & Yannik James

Triathlon – Aislinn Noel & Ric Hallam

Volleyball – Latisha Collymore & Adam La Feuille

Grenadian boxers eliminated from Commonwealth Games

by Michael Bascombe

NEW DELHI, India, October 6, 2010 – All three Grenadian boxers suffered heavy defeats in qualification rounds at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

The experienced Jewel Lewis was the latest competitor to exit the competition when he lost to Dalton George of St. Lucia in a light weight bout after the referee stop contest – head blow (RSCH) in the third round at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium.

Lewis was leading his opponent 7-1 in the third round when he was floored by a knock out punch and unable to regain his composure to continue the bout.

Lewis was the only hope of a potential medal in the boxing tournament for Grenada after middle weight Imrod Bartholomew and light welter weight Dominic Boatswain were eliminated on Tuesday.

Bartholomew lost to Lawal Lukmon of Nigeria after the referee stop contest (RSC) in the second round. Lukomon was leading 8-1 before the referee’s decision.

In the other bout, Boatswain lasted only the first round before he was knocked out by Bradley Saunders of England.

The results were not too encouraging in the swimming competition as Nicholas Coard and Esau Simpson were both eliminated in their respective events.

On Wednesday, Coard and Simpson finished 6th and 7th positions respectively in heat 3 of the 100m freestyle at the Mukherjee Swimming Pool. Coard, swimming out of lane 6 and Simpson in lane 1, clocked 26.63 seconds and 27.28 seconds respectively.

On Tuesday, Coard was 7th in the 50m backstroke in 29.37 seconds while Simpson was 4th in 50m butterfly in 28.45 seconds and finished 8th in the 200m freestyle in 2:09.10.

In late news, Trish Bartholomew qualified for the semi-final round in the women’s 400m on the opening day of track and field at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex.

BOXER KANDEL DOWDEN BEGINS “ROAD TO BAKU” TRAINING

by Michael Bascombe

LANKARAN, Azerbaijan, April 6, 2010 – Grenada’s two-time Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Boxing Champion Kandel Dowden is participating in an International Boxing Association (AIBA) two-week training camp “Road to Baku” in preparation for the World Boxing Championships later this month.

Dowden, who began his training stint on Tuesday, described the programme as rigorous but challenging.

“Training here is nothing compares to back home (Grenada). You must become strong, physically and mentally to survive in this training camp,” he said after completing his first full day of training.

“I would like to thank the boxing association for giving me this opportunity to train at this camp”.

Dowden, who will compete in the Fly Weight category, will be joined by his coach Shayne Joseph on April 20.

The Road to Baku programme is a training camp and development initiative funded by the AIBA Grant Programme that pays for all travel and accommodation expenses for boxers and coaches to attend the training camp and the World Championships.

The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is one of 29 countries who have received this grant.

A record 105 countries are sending a total of 532 boxers to Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in the AIBA Youth World Championships this year, for the first and only qualifying tournament for the Youth Olympic Games.

The registered boxers, aged 17 and 18 years old, will participate in the Championships from April 23rd to May 1st.

Grenadian boxer opens gym to train Canadians

by Craig Slater, The Leader-Post 

REGINA, Canada, March 30, 2010 - Rolande Moses experienced an "embarrassing" introduction to boxing. He vomited a few times and went home with a swollen eye after his first match. 

He was even beaten up by a 14-year-old girl. But over the past five years, the Grenada native has come a long way. "I told my girlfriend (Kristen) back then that I was going to start boxing and that I was going to go to the Olympics in 2008," Moses said. "She looked at me and told me I was crazy." Kristen, who is now his wife, was forced to eat her words. 

Moses, with only nine fights under his belt in four years of boxing experience, qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics and boxed in Beijing for Grenada, his native country. 

He's since opened the Black & Blue Boxing Club in downtown Regina with hopes of developing some of the city's athletes into Olympic-calibre fighters. 

"Regina is known for producing good hockey players and good football players," he said. "I want Regina to be known for producing good boxers, too." 

In Regina for slightly less than two years, Moses has created quite a stir in the boxing community. He's already attracted more than 20 athletes to his new club, located in the old Western Cycle building on Hamilton Street. 

His carpentry background helped to transform the vacant building into an attractive gym, which is complete with a ring, several heavy bags that hang from the ceiling, and pieces of the old Taylor Field turf to cover the cement floor. 

"I'm proud of my gym," he said. 

"I'm hoping to create some future Olympians. I'm willing to do anything to help the boxing community here rise up again. Boxing is falling behind this stuff like MMA, and that's not right." 

Moses' boxing background is not extensive. But he's learned a lot in the six years he's been involved with the sport. 

Moses was seven years old when his mother moved the family to Toronto from Grenada in search "of a better education and a better life." His primary sport through high school was basketball, as numerous colleges from the U.S. were intrigued with the 6-foot-0 guard's athletic abilities. 

But when Moses broke a kneecap after dunking in a game, he was sidelined for several weeks. The scouts lost interest, too. 

"I didn't know what to do," he said. "I wanted to play ball in the States, but those guys stopped looking at me after I got hurt." 

Moses later moved to Niagara Falls where he joined a local boxing club. 

"I think I was used more as a punching bag than I was a boxer," he said of the brief experience. 

So, instead of getting beaten up on a routine basis, Moses hired Jamie Phelps, a trainer who had worked with high-profile amateur boxers. 

"(Phelps) taught me that boxing wasn't about being tough. It's not a gladiator sport," Moses said. "Boxing is about out-thinking your opponent." 

Within a couple of years, Moses rapidly rose through the amateur circuit and qualified for the Beijing Olympics. 

It wasn't until he arrived on Chinese soil that the reality sunk in for Moses that he was among the world's elite athletes. That, and the fact his vow to his girlfriend of reaching the Olympics had come true. 

He was sitting inside a McDonalds restaurant in the athletes' village when the reality hit -- he was eating with American superstar basketball players Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh at the time. 

"Everyone there was treated as one," Moses said. "It didn't matter if you were a superstar or who you were." 

One year prior to the Olympics, Moses competed at the world boxing championships in Chicago. There, he met former boxing champions Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield. 

"Meeting Ali was, well, he's the greatest of all time," Moses said. "And I got to shake hands with him." 

Meeting a few of the biggest sports names in the world served as an inspiration to Moses. He hopes his work ethic rubs off on his students. 

He's training for the 2012 Olympics in London, so athletes at his gym will have the opportunity to train like an Olympian. Black & Blue offers beginner and advanced boxing classes, bootcamps for men and women and personal training. The first class is free. 

"I do all of the workouts my athletes do ... they're extremely hard workouts," he said. "But why be easy on yourself? You're not going to get anything out of that. 

"If you're here, you're going to learn. You're going to work hard, too. If you work hard enough, you're going to be ready for anything." Boxing coach Rolande Moses (right) works with middleweight fighter James Feuring. Photograph by: Don Healy, The Leader-Post.

YOUNG BOXER FOR INTERNATIONAL CAMP & CHAMPIONSHIPS

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug 7 – The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is pleased to announce that Imrod Bartholomew has been selected to participate in the International Amateur Boxing Association - AIBA Training Camp and World Boxing Championships to be held in Italy, August 10 to September 12, 2009.

Bartholomew, 23, is a Light Heavy (178 lbs or 81 kgs) and won the silver medal at the 2008 OECS Boxing Championships. He is unbeaten so far this year with wins over Jamie Bullen of Carriacou, Karim De Allie and Jewel Lewis.

The young boxer leaves Grenada on Sunday to participate on the training camp ahead of the Championships in Milan which starts on September 1.

As part of the programme, AIBA has selected young talented boxers from the countries and coaches having financial difficulties to develop boxing. This programme will not only provide crucial training experience but also support them for the entire period of the AIBA World Boxing Championships Milan 2009.

AIBA said it will continue this important development programme after Milan by selecting the best 10 boxers among the boxers from the "Road to Milan" training camp at the end of the AIBA World Boxing Championships Milan 2009 and will support their continuous training from 2010 and participation in various events to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games and to earn the medals they deserve.

The programme, called "Road to London," will maximize the facilities and programs in the AIBA Boxing Academy.

“We were given very little time to have all his documents ready but we couldn’t allow this opportunity to pass us,” said GABA’s President Ralph James.

“Imrod is an intelligent young man with 11 CXC subjects and the future looks good for him. He is always punctual, disciplined and his work ethics is exemplary. Imrod is the ideal athlete for any coach and will be an excellent ambassador for Grenada.

The XV edition of AIBA World Boxing Championships will be attended by 700 Athletes and 400 Team Officials representing 143 Countries, with the presence of over 300 accredited media.

During the 11-day competition period over 500 matches are scheduled for the awarding of 11 world titles, one per weight category: 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 64, 69, 75, 81, 91 and +91kg. Bouts are composed of 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with one-minute break between one round and the other.

GABA is very grateful to his employer – the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) for granting him leave.

“We will also like to express our thanks to Mr. Joseph "REDS" Perreira and the St. Lucia Amateur Boxing Association for assisting with ground transportation and accommodation in St. Lucia, the Italian Consulate in Grenada, the French Embassy in St. Lucia and the Grenada Olympic Committee”.

SATURDAY NIGHT BOXING

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, March 28, 2009 - The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) has teamed up with a popular nightclub BANANAS to stage a Boxing Card for Saturday April 4, 2009.

"Saturday Night Boxing" as it's being touted, will involve the top boxers from the mainland competing against their challengers from Carriacou at Club Bananas' Car Park.

The boxers from the Sister Isle are determined to settle a score since they lost to the mainland last year in Hillsborough.

The GABA is hoping to identify a core of boxers to prepare for a series of tournaments starting with the inaugural Caribbean Games in Trinidad and Tobago in July.

First bout is expected at 8:00 p.m. and an added attraction will be the Ring Girls. Other sponsors include Pirates Cove Restaurant and Stag.

Grenada to host OECS Boxing

The Grenada Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is preparing to host the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Boxing Championship next month.

President of GABA, Ralph James said participation is expected from defending champion Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, along with host Grenada. “We are also hoping that Antigua could join us this year. They’ve expressed an interest and we’ll welcome them back into competition,” James said. He said a committee, headed by Johnson St Louis, has prepared a budget and overseeing the logistics for the hosting of the championship. The government has also given a commitment to support Grenada’s hosting of the championship. Dominica edged Grenada by two points last year to win the championship in St Lucia.

Port of Spain geared up for 1st AIBA Americas Olympic Qualifier

PORT-OF-SPAIN, T&T, March 10, 2008 - Trinidad and Tobago turned on a warm welcome on Monday to the athletes and officials who have arrived on the eve of the 1st AIBA Americas Olympic Qualification Tournament in the capital Port of Spain.

A total of 163 boxers from more than 25 countries are expected to participate in what is the fifth of 10 AIBA Olympic qualifying events and the first on the Americas continent. The second and final Americas qualifying tournament will be held in Guatemala from April 24-29.

After missing the opening Olympic qualification event - the AIBA World Championships Chicago 2007 - boxing heavyweights Cuba have sent a full line-up of 11 boxers to Trinidad and Tobago. Brazil and Ecuador are expected to be the only other two nations to also boast a full complement of boxers.

The 60kg division looks to be the toughest of the 11 different classes with 2005 world champion and 2007 Pan American Games winner Hernandez Yordanis Ugas (CUB) expected to face 2007 Pan Am Games silver and bronze medallists Everton Lopez (BRA) and Jose Pedraza (PUR) respectively.

The full list of competitors will not be confirmed until the official weigh-in and draw takes place on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m.The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. while the opening bouts will start at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

A total of 23 Olympic vacancies are on offer at this tournament followed by a further 23 in Guatemala.

Total Olympic Qualification vacancies for the Americas (46)
Weight in kg	1st Qualifying Tournament	2nd Qualifying Tournament
Light Flyweight Up to 48kg	Gold, Silver	Gold, Silver, Bronze
Flyweight Over 48 to 51kg	Gold, Silver	Gold, Silver
Bantamweight Over 51 to 54kg	Gold, Silver
Featherweight Over 54 to 57kg	Gold, Silver,	Gold, Silver
Lightweight Over 57 to 60kg	Gold, Silver	Gold, Silver, Bronze
Light Welterweight Over 60 to 64kg	Gold, Silver, Bronze	Gold, Silver, Bronze
Welterweight Over 64 to 69kg	Gold, Silver	Gold, Silver
Middleweight Over 69 to 75kg	Gold, Silver	Gold, Silve
Light Heavyweight Over 75 to 81kg	Gold, Silver, Bronze	Gold, Silver, Bronze
Heavyweight Over 81 to 91kg	Gold, Silver	Gold
Super Heavyweight +91kg	Gold	Gold, Silver
Total	23 Places	23 Places

Surprise Guest Muhammad Ali Inspires Athletes, Captures Spirit of Event

AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 Opening Ceremony

Blends City’s Passion for Sport and Celebration of Excellence

Surprise Guest Muhammad Ali Inspires Athletes, Captures Spirit of Event

CHICAGO (October 22, 2007) – The AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 proudly kicked-off this afternoon at the Chicago Theatre.

Closing historic State Street for an athlete procession to the ceremony, thousands of Chicagoans warmly embraced nearly 700 boxers from approximately 120 countries who have come to Chicago looking for the chance to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The eleven-day event, which will be the largest world boxing championships in history, will take place from October 23 – November 3 at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion.

“The Opening Ceremony captured how truly honored we feel to host these premier competitors from all across the world and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Jack Sandner, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.

Surprise guest-of-honor, Muhammad Ali, brought fans to their feet as he graced the Opening Ceremony with his presence. More than 40 years after he wowed the world with his gold medal performance at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, Ali’s presence gave the world-class competitors at tonight’s ceremony a glimpse of what greatness can create.

“Muhammad Ali personifies the values that the Olympic Movement stands for; commitment, excellence and a devotion to making the world a better place,” said Sandner. “We could not be more pleased that he took the time to share some of his magic with those attending and competing at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.”

The top eight finishers in nine of the 11 weight classes and the top four in the heavy and super heavyweight divisions in Chicago will earn a spot at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The field is loaded with 27 World Championship medal winners from the 2005 AIBA World Championships in Mianyang City, China, expected to compete.

Also, competing are eight Olympic medalists from the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including gold medalists Manus Boomjumnong of Thailand and Alexey Tishchenko of Russia.

The AIBA World Boxing Championships are held every two years.