The Tribune

VINCENT Strachan, president of the Boxing Federation of the Bahamas, offered condolences to the family of the late Nathaniel “Nat” Knowles.

"It is appointed, unto man, to die once," Strachan said. "Like all mortal souls will experience, Nathaniel has made his entry and his exit. During his 77 years he has accomplished a lot and contributed enormously to his country and its people as a former police officer, a sports hero and a family man."

Strachan noted that in the beginning of amateur boxing in The Bahamas, Knowles was there.

"He was the first Bahamian boxer to win a match in the Olympics in 1972 in Munich, Germany, and the first to capture a medal at any international level at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic," Strachan said. 

Knowles continued to blaze the trail for boxing and established himself as one of The Bahamas’ finest and one of the most knowledgeable coaches of all time.

"When I decided to seek a second non-consecutive term as president of The Bahamas Boxing Federation in 2017, I consulted Nathaniel Knowles," Strachan said. 

"He agreed to serve as second vice president and held that position for the entire term, although he had some medical challenges. I selected him as head coach for the IBA World Boxing Elite championship in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2021."

Strachan recalled that Knowles' high point was when the national team returned from Munich, Germany," Strachan said. "That was the moment he realised his Olympic experience.

"I count the opportunity to have him on my team, an honour of a lifetime. Allowing him to serve as a national coach is a small token of appreciation for his contribution to the country and humanity."

Strachan said he was also fortunate to have Knowles as one of his boxing coaches when he competed as an amateur boxer.

"The skills and knowledge he shared with me is a lifetime of wealth that I will cherish forever," Strachan said. "My plan was to take him with me to the next IBA Congress on December 5, 2026, not knowing that God has the ultimate master plan for all of us.

"He has made major positive contributions to the growth and development of boxing in The Bahamas," Strachan said. "He is greatly missed and will be remembered by us for a very long time.

Strachan offered condolences on behalf of the federation, its executives and members, to his wife and entire family. "We encourage you to seek God's grace, His mercy and His peace during this time of sorrow," Strachan said. "His death is a great loss to you, the country and the boxing fraternity of The Bahamas.

"He ran a great race, fought great fights and made his exit in pursuit of his heavenly reward. May his soul be granted eternal rest in the kingdom of God Almighty for all eternity."