The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

NOW that all of the hard work is done, members of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Bahamas team are eager to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the first round qualifications for this year’s Olympic Games.

Rashield Williams said he has had very good training sessions and he’s looking forward to making an impression in the light welterweight division or 64 kilogram class. “We’re going to be fighting the best out of each country, so it’s going to be very tough, especially in my weight class because they are going to be qualifying two (boxers),” Williams said. “But I’m ready.”

The 26-year-old Williams, who has represented the Bahamas at a number of international meets, said he was motivated by the speech of Spence Finlayson, but everybody knows that he’s a “self-motivated” person, so his confidence was only reinforced by what he heard.

As one of the newcomers to the Olympic qualifier, Israel Johnson said he’s looking forward to the challenge. “I’m expecting to come back victorious. All of the necessary preparations have already been done. We have pushed our bodies to the maximum level. We just want the entire Bahamas to keep us in prayers for us to come out victorious and safe,” he said. “Each country is sending their number one competitor in their weight class and I’ve fought some of the best in the world, so I’m prepared to leave it all in the ring.”

Johnson, 19, said Finlayson’s speech resonated with him and with the mental, physical and spiritual training that they got from coach Rodgers, he’s more than prepared to compete.

“I’m blessed, not just to represent the Bahamas, but as a boxer from the Strikers Club,” he said. “For the Bahamas team to come here and say Israel I want you to represent the Bahamas at the Olympic qualifier, the highest level of amateur boxing in the world, is a blessing. They’ve done their part and they’ve given me the opportunity. Now it’s up to me to leave it all in the ring and come back victorious.”

His Strikers teammate Davon Hamilton said it’s an honour for him to make the team as well. “I’ve been through this before. So it’s not hard for me. Once I go out there and do what I have to do, I know I can come out with the victory,” he said. “In the ring, it’s not about what you do, but it’s how you do it. So you have to do it smart. I’m expecting a lot. I’m just going to go there and do my best.”

At 18, Hamilton will be the youngest member of Team Bahamas, but he’s not going to let it get to him. “I know what I can do. My coach Ronn Rodgers has taught me everything I know,” he said. “So it won’t really be that hard for me. Once I stick to my game plan, I’m coming home with it baby.”

Like everybody else, Hamilton said he was impressed by Finlayson’s speech. In fact, he was so inspired that Hamilton said he just had to shake Finlayson’s hand.

“When I shook his hand, I felt the energy, so I’m ready for this,” he said. “I’m not just doing this for me, but I’m doing this for everybody in the Bahamas. This is for everyone who believes in me and everyone who don’t believe in me.”

Ronald Woodside said he doesn’t see why he should not be a qualifier too.

“I’m ready right now,” he said. “I know the competition is going to be tough, very competitive. The whole of America is going to be there, so I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m not phased about anything. I’m not scared of anything. I’m motivated right now.”

Woodside, 23, said hearing Finlayson’s speech has given him the inspiration to go out there and represent the Bahamas very well.

“I know I have to be confident, believe in myself and the coaching staff,” he said. “I know I got the good training, so I think I’m ready. I will be good.”

As the most experienced member of the team, Carl Hield said he knows that there’s going to be a lot placed on his shoulders, but he’s eager to lead by example.

“My expectations there, I only have one thing on my mind and that is to get into the final,” he said.

“This is going to be hard. It’s just going to be three (qualifiers) in my weight class. The two losers in the semi-finals will have to fight for the third spot, so my goal is just to get to the final and secure my spot.

“With the training that I had, I only have one thing on my mind and that is Rio.”

Hield, 29, said he has experienced a lot of “ups and downs” to get ready for the qualifier, so he was pleased to hear the inspirational speech from Finlayson.

“I just have to put everything on the table. You get a second chance, but I’m not looking at a second chance,” he said. “You can’t go to work without your tools and so I’m going with everything.”

As the second oldest member of the team, Hield said he’s excited about the boxers who will be travelling and he was pleased to see the work they all put in to get ready for Buenos Aires. Now it’s showtime.

Kieshno Major, the oldest member of the team at 31, was not available for comments. Major will be fighting in the super heavyweight division (91-plus kg).