Les Mamelles boxing contest-Agnes punches to victory |06 September 2010

Young Keddy Agnes would have won the best boxer title on the night if there had been one, as he put on a good show against the more experienced Sandy Baccarie.

The 16-year-old from Anse Royale secondary school showed he is most definitely one of Seychelles’ best up-and-coming middleweight boxers. Against Baccarie, 27, who is making a comeback after a long layoff, Agnes’ jab was outstanding and the combinations flew beautifully. He hit Baccarie with some good body shots in the 75kg bout to earn a 5-0 win.

“It was a good win and I’m fired up for more victories,” Agnes told Sports Nation, adding that his objective is to compete at next year’s Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) here.

Alva Botsoie was also a winner in the 64kg division against two-time boxer of the year McFarlène Estrale. He dominated, using his jab to great effect and bamboozling Estrale with his speed although he left himself open at times, prompting fears he would get caught cleanly at some point in the fight.

Botsoie, who had lost 1-2 to Estrale earlier this year, won Friday’s bout with a 5-0 scorecard.

Silver medallist in the 57kg class at the first African Youth Games in Egypt, Andrique Allisop came into his bout with the idea of showing that he too can beat a senior fighter, but he came up short in his quest.

With the two boxers throwing fantastic combinations in the night’s final fight, Dave César had the upper hand, triumphing 4-1 to silence some of his critics.

Achille David got through the guard of Yannick Moustache in their 54kg fight and the 19-year-old did just enough to pull off a tight 3-2 victory.

“I’m happy with the win, but not with the way I fought. I know I can improve because I only resumed training a month ago,” said David, who also has his sights set on the eighth IOIG in 2011.

Bertrand Laure’s chin was holding up against some good punches from Michael Brioche, but his fitness level left a lot to be desired as coach Gerry Legras threw in the towel with 42 seconds left in the three-minute second round to save him from taking more punishment in the 69kg fight.

In three other fights, Jean-Luc Moumou edged Flecher Ravinia 3-2 in the 48kg division, Tony Moustache beat Sean Larue 5-0 (51kg) and Edward Robert triumphed on the same score against Jean-Yves Jérémie  (69kg).

Les Mamelles district administrator Doris Songoire was pleased with the turnout and the level of competition.

She took the opportunity to thank all sponsors for their generous contributions in making the tournament a success.

On the night, some of the country’s great fighters from the Les Mamelles district were honoured, receiving certificates and trophies. They are Basil Boniface, Roland Raforme, Antoine Gilbert, Ralph Labrosse, Bernard Agricole, Ralph Sarah, the late Adolph Tirant, Dave Aglaé, Roddy Jeannevol, Gerry Legras, Michel Moncherry and Kitson Julie.

Boniface and Raforme are brothers, while Julie is their nephew. All three have represented Seychelles at the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, a 10-member boxing team will leave on Sunday September 12 for Russia for a two-week training camp.

The 10 boxers selected for the camp are Sandy Baccarie, Keddy Agnes, Jovet Jean, Dave César, Alva Botsoie, Michael Brioche, Robert Albert, Andrique Allisop, Dario Gabriel and Yannick Moustache. They will be accompanied by coaches Hansel Larue and Gerry Legras, while Seychelles Boxing Association chairman Hervé Anthony will lead the delegation.

G. G.