The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GOLD COAST, Australia -- While one is hoping that his jet lag won't hamper him physically, the other is more inspired by his will to endure whatever he's faced with. One way or the other, Rashield Williams and Carl Hield Jr are both confident that the XXI Commonwealth Games is a grand opportunity for them to excel for Team Bahamas in the boxing ring.

They will begin competition on Thursday's day one at the Oxenford Studios following the official opening ceremonies that was held on Wednesday night at the Carrara Stadium.

Back to avenge his first round defeat at the 2014 games in Glasgow, Scotland, Williams said his main problem was trying to get over the jet lag. "I've been continuing my training, trying to keep my weight up," said Williams who will fight out of the 64 kilogram class. "Mentally I'm ready, but I didn't have that much time for conditioning, but I still feel as if I can pull it off. I just have to do a whole lot of thinking and not just go out there and throw a lot of punches and get blow out." Williams, 28, said he clearly remembered losing a split decision to his opponent from New Zealand at the last games. But he's convinced that it will be a different story this year. His first match will be against Jonas Jonas from Namibia in the round of 32.

"A lot has changed in the ring. I had much more fights and I faced a whole lot of competition," Williams stated. "So I'm ready. I'm going to do things lot different than I did my last time at the Commonwealth Games."

With him and Hield carrying the banner for Team Bahamas, Williams said his ultimate goal is to "carrying home something."

Having won a bronze at the last games in the 69kg class, Hield said he anticipate nothing less than returning to the podium, but this time for a different color.

"Things going good, training going good, weight on target," Hield said. "I just had a good sparring with a Cyprus boxer and I have another one with a next guy to get me prepared. The way I see it, I'm just going to go in there and try to become the first Bahamian to win two medals at the Commonwealth Games."

And with the weather conditions favorable to those in the Bahamas, the 31-year-old Hield said he fee right at home. He also noted that the food has been good so far and once he can get some more rest, he will be prepared to step in the ring and fight. His opener will also be on Thursday against home town favorite Terry Nickolas from Australia in the round of 32.

"Training camp and everything is over. It's time for us to perform," Hield said. "Rashield has been my sparring partner for the past four years. I am just waiting to see him go out there and perform, even thought he didn't have s much time in training camp as I did. But he have a heart of a lion, so I'm waiting to see what his performance will be like."

Coach Valentino Knowles said he's expecting a successful showing from both boxers.

"Both of them have competed at this level before, so right now we are just confident and we are hoping for the best," Knowles said. "Our preparation right now has been a little shaky for us getting over this time zone, but we are getting it together. I'm just looking forward to the best from them. They just have to put their best foot forward."