NATIONAL boxing coach, Reynold Cox, has hailed Carlos Suarez for his exploits in qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
At a reception in Suarez’ honour on Tuesday at the VIP Room at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, he dubbed the US-born boxer a disciplined, tough worker with a big heart and believes that with the strict regime Suarez has adopted now, he will deliver the goods in the summer.
“Carlos fought tooth-and-nail until the last day in the Brazilian qualifiers. All the Caribbean islands got behind him as he was the only regional fighter left and we got Marcano (Jantony) to win the gold and help us qualify but you cannot take anything away from Carlos’ performance. He was spectacular,” said Cox. The former boxer added that he (Cox) sparred with Kirt Sinette when the latter was slated for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and knew the hardships that Suarez would now face training for London. “The work has just begun for us. We must now go to London and shine. We cannot depend on anyone to get us a result like in the qualifiers...we have to eke out our own victories. Carlos will duke it out and get us results,” he added.
Cox reminded that Sports Minister, Anil Roberts, and Special Adviser, Boxu Potts, were critical elements to this feat. He also thanked the Ministry of Sports for ensuring all expenses were covered as well as for their support on the foreign training camps that Suarez is lining up prior to the summer Games.
Cox was disappointed that there could not be more of the TT contingent heading to London but proclaimed Suarez’ distinguished showing as a great achievement and an enormous team effort. He lauded the fellow coaches, Joe Suarez (Carlos’ father) and his teammates for contributing to this Olympic accomplishment.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By RENALDO MATADEEN