April 24, saw one of the best examples of T&T as we supported our home grown champion, in her attempt to unify all the recognised world mini flyweight championships. This was at the Jean Pierre Complex when Ria Ramnarine went up against Japan's Etsuko Tada. Everything seemed stage-managed for the event. The weather was perfect for the open air bout and the crowd was in good spirits supporting our champion, all the way. They were not disappointed. The bout was action packed and two boxers put out their best efforts to stamp their claim on the event. As is usually the case with the lighter weights, boxing was the feature rather than punching power, with both moving quickly and punching often. The only missing ingredient was real punching power that could have ended the bout like a lightning strike.
They were both good movers with Tada being more aggressive and though she retreated more, Ramnarine also moved well and defended well. Unlike her performance in previous bouts, Ramnarine countered, even when she was under pressing attack by Tada. The bout was declared a majority draw and indeed, it was so close that any other decision could have been legitimately challenged. This Ramnarine was a much improved boxer. She looked fitter and moved with better purpose than she had in the past and if one were to be fair, the only criticism would be her lack of punching power and of fighting to a plan that was to her strengths. Rome was not built n a day and Ramnarine has been to the USA to train with some more experienced handlers, in a gym that has produced and houses international champions. Much experience went into the preparation of our champion. She had worked with several former champions and with boxers who were as close to Tada's style as possible. She obviously profited from it.
When congratulated on her improved performance in this latest bout, Ramnarine said "I have always tried to learn from things that happen and that I am aware of. I hope that each day I learn something and correct some error, in my life not only in boxing." She went into the bout with damaged shoulder muscles, hoping that it would not cause her too much difficulty. "There was pain especially after I hurt the same muscles in the fifth round. "It was painful but I would not give in to it and I eventually finished the bout well." She revealed that she had already gone to her doctor to have the shoulder examined and remedial action taken. Ramnarine exhibits the qualities that lead to championship and in life, to success. She is dedicated to her sport and seeks to learn from the experiences in her life.
This bout was so closely contested that there is almost certain to be a re-match and even as this is being written, the promoter is working on it and feels confident that it will be made in the near future. Tada herself, liked her reception here and was so comfortable that she could be mistaken for a Caribbean woman but for her language difficulty. So often, professional sport brings out the less admirable characteristics in people that it was really pleasing to see two boxers and their entourage so comfortable with each other and the foreigners so amicably received in a strange country. It says a lot, not merely about our champion but also about our people. Boxing is a remarkable sport in that two people would be seeking to dominate and defeat each the other but immediately after the bout is over, they are able to display the best sportsmanship and camaraderie, workers in the same vineyard.
Ramnarine has a task at hand. She needs to keep her level of fitness and while giving her shoulder time to heal, study the film of the bout and design two plans (an A plan and a what if plan) for her return bout with Tada. She must assume that Tada too, will be planning to defeat the Ramnarine she met but Ramnarine must seek to alter her pattern in such a way that Tada would need to think and reshuffle her plan. Her attitude indicates that she will be better for the next bout and one hopes that her example may fire some of our youngsters in whatever they pursue.
