YOUNGVILLE, Louisiana— Coming off of the successful qualifier tournament held in Punta Gorda, Florida in late August, amateur boxers from across the United States got another chance to test their skills in the ring.
The Sugar Bert Boxing National Qualifier WBC Green Belt Challenge tournament was held from Friday to Sunday at the Youngsville Sports Complex.
Deion Pruitt of St. Thomas faced Jaylon Stanley of Texas in the Elite Division and 178-pound weight class and was victorious for the territory.
“The champ is here, back in the V.I. off of a big win at the Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions,” Kai Frett said. “Green Belt Championship Series held in Louisiana this weekend. Congratulate him and big him up when you see him around the way.”
Also competing for the U.S. Virgin Islands was Devon Malik of St. Thomas, who squared off against Devon Andrus of Georgia in the Youth Division, 152-pound weight class.
The three-day tournament, sanctioned by USA Boxing and its Back to Boxing program, drew at least 300 competitors.
The event will adhere to CDC guidelines for gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limiting spectator seating, conducting temperature checks at the door, and wearing face masks.
“CDC guidelines will be strictly enforced,” says Bert “Sugar Bert” Wells, president of Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions (SBBP). “We are going to have a safe tournament that will promote the skills and training many of these boxers have sharpened since the reopening of our country. They are ready.”
Special guests at the event included undefeated professional boxer Evan “Young Holy” Holyfield, son of boxing titan Evander Holyfield; former middleweight champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson of St. Thomas; Nelson Lopez, Jr.; Backstreet Boxing Club President Shelton LeBlanc; USA Boxing Events & Operations Manager Mike Campbell; Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Chief Sales Officer Mike Roebuck; and Lafayette Convention and Visitors CommissionConvention & Sports Sales Manager Carl Toups.
SBBP is sponsoring the event along with USA Boxing, Title Boxing, World Boxing Council (WBC), WBC Cares, KO Addition, Raynelo Management, Lafayette Louisiana Convention & Sports Bureau, and Youngsville Convention & Sports CVB. Boxers, coaches and officials General Registration takes place on Friday, Nov. 13 at Youngsville Sports Complex, and the tournament kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.
SOURCE: World Boxing News Sugar Bert Boxing Qualifier returns to Lafayette Parish on Nov 14 | WBN – World Boxing News