Losing start for Trinidad and Tobago at IBA Youth World Boxing Champs

TRINIDAD and Tobago boxer Neraj Mahadeosingh lost his opening bout at the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships currently under way in Montenegro, Spain.

Competing in the youth men 54-57kg featherweight division at the Budva Sports Centre, Mahadeosingh lost 4:1 on points to Slovenian Nikola Mihailovic.

Fighting out the blue corner, Mahadeosingh lost the first round 28:29. He improved in the second to take a 29:28 win but was out-boxed in the next three rounds 29:29, 29:28 and 30:27.

The competition resumes on October 24.

Joining Mahadeosingh in Spain are fellow TT boxers Darnell Sinaswee, Ishmael Hypolite, Arlon Reid, Paul Newallo and Joshua Lewis. The team’s coaches are Vicki Boodram, Jason Aquí and Alric Johnson.

According to an October 23 TT Boxing Association statement, boxers must fight approximately three of four opponents to reach the medal round.

The six-man team has been preparing for the past year regionally, having participated in St Lucia’s Champion of Champions, OECS Caribbean Championship in Guyana and Toreno International in Puerto Rico.

“We are all aware that the international tournaments of this level are much needed. This event jumpstarts the beginning of our 2028 Olympic cycle. Next year is World Elite Male and Female and 2026 we have Commonwealth and CAC games,” the statement read.

At the Youth World Boxing Championships, 88 countries are in action featuring 593 boxers; 413 male and 180 female. The Championship ends on November 5.

Additionally, boxing will be celebrated on November 17 at Skinner Park in San Fernando as part of city month.