Benedict opens challenge for AIBA title

Barbadian boxer Gheta Narine (right) going through a shadow boxing exercise under the watchful eye of national coach Gary Bowen. ((Picture by Clifton Henry)

By JUSTIN MARVILLE | Thu, September 09, 2010 - 12:05 AM

JENNY BENEDICT will be shouldering the weight of a nation.

At least for one night.

As Barbados make their international debut on home soil, so too does Benedict, as the Wildey Gymnasium plays host to the western hemisphere’s first ever AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships starting at 2 p.m.

And Bajans won’t have to pay a single cent to witness the historic opening ceremony, nor Benedict’s first-round encounter. The Ministry of Sports made the announcement yesterday while inviting locals to patronise the championships’ first day.

However, they will have to pay the stipulated admission fee for the rest of the two-week championships, which is expected to see over 300 boxers from 82 participating countries in one of the biggest world championships.

The move will likely provide the teenaged tiger – one of four hometown pugilists – with nothing but raucous crowd support during her lightweight 60 kg bout against the Ukraine’s Oleksandra Sydorenko at 7:30 p.m.

“She’s going to fare well,” affirmed coach Gary Bowen of his ward’s chances against the more experienced Ukrainian.

“Her preparation was good during the camp that led up to these championships but the Ukraine possesses very skilful boxers, both male and female.

“But once the action gets under way Jenny should be good,” he added.

Benedict is the lone Bajan to take the ring today however, as none of her three counterparts will be in action until the Narine sisters, Gheta and Molissa, take to the ring on Sunday.

Fighting in the 64 kg category, Molissa is slated to go toe-to-toe with Kazakhstan’s Saida Khassenova before Gheta battles Kum Ju Yun of the People’s Republic of Korea in their featherweight 57 kg clash.

Kimberley Gittens will be the last of the fearsome foursome on Monday, as she prepares for her 69 kg bout with Norway’s Lotte Lien at 2 p.m. Gittens received a first-round bye.