T&T boxers finished on the losing end of Saturday's 'Spanish Invasion' contest of a Professional- Amateur card with this country's fighters at the Southern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Pleasantville, as the T&T's top fighters, went down in their respective bout.
After promises of first-round knock-out among other jabs, Faith Ramnath, T&T's female boxing prodigy who went down to her opponent at the National Boxing Championships in December, failed to avenge her loss in the lone female 51kg bout, when she was beaten for a second time by the American by a unanimous decision.
Nigel Paul's inability to execute on the night cost him dearly with Cuban Carlos Castillo Rodriguez by a split decision.
However, Paul, whose pursuit of another Olympic qualification spot was not hampered by the result of his fight, said there were only positives to come out of the bout.
He is part of a T&T contingent currently at a live-in camp that will wing out for an Olympic qualifier in Argentina in a couple of months. And after the fight, he said, "From looking back at the fight, my coaches believe I did not execute properly on my technique and tactics, but I will get there. I have learnt a lot because the Cubans are a powerhouse in the sport and when you've competed against them, you will be ready for anyone or anything."
Coaches Reynold Cox and Rawlston Dopwell have been working with the Paul and the contingent, which includes Olympic hopeful Michael Alexander, and according to Paul, he is confident of an Olympic spot, not only by being the third-highest fighter in the region in the Super-Heavyweight division but also because of his preparation programme which will ensure he fights against some of best fighters in his division.
Meanwhile, Akiel Outrum, who told reporters his debut professional contest would end in a first-round knock-out win for him, was instead beaten by Venezuelan Eduardo Medina on a majority decision in a 69kg fight, while Tevoy Barret, in another 77kg pro-debut bout with Cuban Yuray Cisnero, was defeated on another majority decision result.
Cam Awesome, T&T's other Super Heavyweight boxer was also stopped by Cuban Herich Ruiz Cordoba by split decision.