“A Small Step Back for a Major Comeback”

Belizean boxing star Amir “King Mir” Rudon left Swift Hall on a stretcher on Saturday night after suffering a heartbreaking knockout loss in the final round of his title fight against Mexican champion Carlos Elvira.

“It’s my first loss in my boxing career. So since I started at age twelve, I’ve been fighting. I don’t know what losing feels like inside the ring, but I do know now, and it changes nothing,” Rudon told News 5.

The sold-out event drew a packed crowd for Rudon’s bid for the World Boxing Council’s Central American Boxing Federation Silver title.

Rudon led on the scorecards until a heavy shot late in round seven staggered him. “It’s boxing. It only takes one point to change the trajectory of the fight. And that’s what occurred in the seventh round,” Rudon said. Elvira finished the job in round eight.

“I got hit with a shot… I got hurt… My spirits are up. I am healthy. We will be back stronger than ever,” he added.

Rudon was taken out on a stretcher as a precaution but signalled a thumbs up.

“All those who watched it at home, they’re the reason why I do it, since I started as a kid. Over twelve years ago. Now the sport is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves, and it doesn’t stop here. This is just a small hurdle, a small step back for a major comeback,” he said. 

14-year-old Bryan Garbutt, another of Belize’s rising talents, secured his victory that same night against his Mexican opponent. “When I went out there I saw the victory, and I know I had it in my hands,” Garbutt said. “My game plan was to just dominate all through.”