KTV The Remix Season Six is back tonight at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City. So far, six people have been eliminated and the competition is intensifying. The wheel was spun revealing Latin music as the theme for tonight’s episode. Producer Viannie Reyes says that tonight’s episode will feature some of the greatest Latin hits including those from the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena.
Azain Heredia
“Alright can you run me through what’s going to happen tonight and what’s to be expected?”
Viannie Reyes
Viannie Reyes, KTV Producer
“So tonight is night four of KTV the remix, we sent six people home so far. Last week we had Gospel as the genre, and we had our other guest judge which was, Father Jeremy, he did a phenomenal job. We spun the wheel and we are now at another night of eliminating two people to go home. Tonight, we’re expecting a lot of Latin music. That was the genre that it landed on last week when we spun the wheel, so we’re excited to see a combination of different types of music. So far, we been receiving, I’ll just give you like a small hint, I think Selena is one artist that a lot people do love and enjoy to hear her music, so that’s pretty much one artist we are going to hear a lot from, so we’re excited to see what the others are going to bring to the stage tonight. It’s taking place at the Bliss, it’s going to be a 8:00, but we do ask everybody to purchase their tickets long in advanced, and you can purchase your tickets here at channel 5 on Coney Drive, or you can also purchase it at 88 shopping center, it is available to purchase it there at the Bliss as of 6:00pm, but we do ask everyone to come early due to parking and better seating as well.”
On Saturday night, inside the Belize City Civic Centre, Belize’s Under-21 Women’s Volleyball Team made history. For the first time since the nation organised a national volleyball team in 1990, Team Belize secured a gold medal. Their victory in the twentieth Under-21 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship marks a significant achievement, catapulting them to new heights. Despite being the country with the smallest population in the region, Team Belize dominated against countries with populations ten times larger. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there to witness the historic event unfold, and here is his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A parade through the streets of Belize City is just one of the events organised to celebrate the National Under-21 Women’s Volleyball Team’s gold medal victory. For five days, Team Belize performed before cheering fans inside the Belize City Civic Centre. Night after night, they displayed dominance and overcame their opponents.
Allan Sharp
Allan Sharp, President, Belize Volleyball Association
“At lot of sports have come asking, how did you get there, what did you do? I think the number one thing to remember is it is not an overnight thing. It takes a long time to develop. Our first national team went out in 1990. None of you were born. You are under twenty-one.”
A press conference was held this morning at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex to celebrate the historic gold medal. Allan Sharp, the President of the Belize Volleyball Association, underscored the significance of this gold medal victory.
Allan Sharp
“What was fantastic with this one is that it was dominant, dominant, three zero every time. I think only Nicaragua get past twenty in one set. We made it known that little Belize, of the forty plus million people in all of Central America, we with the four hundred thousand, we got talent.”
Belize played its gold medal match on Saturday night against Guatemala, a team that has dominated the tournament in the past. But Guatemala was no match for Belize’s strategic plays, height, and strength. The stadium erupted in celebration the moment Team Belize scored its final point to secure victory. National pride beamed throughout the Civic Center. News Five witnessed the moment and spoke with the players.
Gareth Bruce
Gareth Bruce, Team Captain
“This is such an emotional and amazing feeling. Belize made history. Our first gold medal ever. OMG, this is so amazing. It is so different because in 2022 we got silver. We lost to Guatemala. So not just getting gold is bringing the amazing feeling in this tournament, but also winning them again.”
Paul Lopez
“And you also did it in fine style, not only going undefeated but with a perfect score as well. How is it that you all were able to maintain your focus throughout this week and accomplish that?”
Gareth Bruce
“We had good coaching staff, good fans, good teammates, and as a leader I just had to keep my team motivated even when the times were getting difficult, I needed to keep them motivated and well disciplined.”
As the champions stood on the podium, proudly adorned with gold medals, confetti explosions marked the moment. Nisan Martinez received the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.
Nissan Martinez
Nissan Martinez, M.V.P.
“Mein, I don’t know how to feel. I am so excited. I am so proud. All the hard work really pays off. I want to say a big thank you to my team, staff, coach, all of us who put our all into this all year round. Lately we have been focusing on this tournament. We went to the U-Twenty-Three in preparation for this tournament. So, that definitely paid off for real.”
We also heard from coach Nelissa Martinez. Coach Martinez has played on national teams that have medaled before. On Saturday, she celebrated the nation’s first volleyball gold as a guide and motivator on the sidelines.
Nelissa Martinez
Nelissa Martinez, Coach
“I was seh this pan news, I hope all the players get a piece of land, get money if it is possible. I am serious about it, because we invest a lot in volleyball, Ms. Lupita invest a lot in volleyball. We don’t want to just see faces come around all of a sudden to take pictures. We need them to do something for us. Do something for the team.”
Spoken like a true coach who understood the time, energy, and resources invested behind this gold medal win.
Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson was present at today’s press conference to congratulate the team. He announced that his ministry is working on logistics to reward the team with an all-expenses-paid weekend in San Pedro for the Belize International Music and Food Festival.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“We are trying to find a hotel room for you if you want to go, but it is a bit difficult. That would be our prize we offer to you from the Ministry of Sports to allow you to go to the fest in San Pedro once we find hotel rooms. So far it is almost impossible. But we are trying to get in Caye Caulker and makes sure we get a good boat to take you to Caye Caulker after the concert to make sure you get to Caye Caulker safely. So, by the end of the today we will call Mr. Allan. If you all want to go we will provide a room for you in Caye Caulker to visit on the weekend. If it is a good gift for you let me know, let me say yes or no so we can continue.”
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. Tonight, the nation is celebrating Belize’s National Women’s Under-Twenty-One Volleyball Team’s historic gold medal win in the Under-Twenty-One Central American Volleyball Tournament. The highlight match of the entire week took place on Saturday night between Belize and Guatemala. This was for the gold medal. We bring you these highlights courtesy Go Live Belize.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Zion Henderson opened the match with an excellent serve. A huge dig from Dasailyn Thurton. Kaleigh Cardinez finds Gareth “Might Mouse” Bruce, who gave Belize its first point in this one. Up nine to eight points, Blessed Omamurhe with the serve. Belize sought to block, and the ball went out on the block. The point went to Guatemala. Jevia Leslie with the serve. Gareth Bruce with the dig. Henderson sets Nisan Martinez. Belize’s lead went up to seventeen. Match point for team Belize, with Guatemala at seventeen points. That serve from Guatemala went straight into the net. Set number one went to Belize.
Tied at the start of the second set, Guatemala served, and that one was too strong for team Belize to stop. Guatemala down by one point up to serve. Henderson again to Martinez. It is blocked, but Jevia is alert and she brought it down to give Belize a point. Game tied at eighteen a piece, Bruce picks up the serve, Henderson back to Bruce and “Mighty Mouse” did what she does best. Because of their excellent performance throughout the week, Team Belize only needed to win two sets to secure the gold medal.
Akili Jones with the serve. Jevia Leslie with a block. Guatemala sent the ball out of bounds, and Belize secured the gold in the second set. But the game was not over. A win for team Belize would put Guatemala in third place and Nicaragua in second place in the tournament. We fast forward this one to match point for team Belize in the third set. With everyone inside the Civic Center on their feet, Bruce serves the ball. Ball back to Belize’s side. Bruce to Avianka Avila, over to Martinez for the spike, and that one went out of bounds, off Guatemala. The entire stadium erupted in celebration.
Along with the gold medal, team Belize also took home three individual awards. The Most Valuable Player Award went to Nisaan Martinez. Gareth Bruce received the Best Attacker Award, while Zaine Henderson received the Best Setter Award.
Nelissa Martinez
Nelissa Martinez, Coach, National Women’s Volleyball Team
“To start with we had two workouts every day, Monday to Friday. And the preparation was real tough. They did weights and had to do preparation with other coaches like Larry, Kyle, Ms. Lupita. And for me I teach them what I know, as a player and a coach.”
Paul Lopez
“What was it about this week’s competition that Belize clicking on all cylinders in order for them to go undefeated with a perfect score?”
Nelissa Martinez
“First of all I must say home advantage. We must say thanks to the fans. We really appreciate you guys. Also everyday we spoke with the girls and made sure they understood, you know what, we got to take this home. And they did just that. Congratulations to the team. They certainly made the entire country proud. And that was not Guatemala’s only defeat on Saturday night in Belize. Belizean boxer Amir “King Mir” Rudon defeated Guatemala’s Juan “El Torro” Mendez by unanimous decision. Rudon fought Mendez in a six-round super lightweight bout inside Swift Hall. We also send our congratulations to Rudon and his entire team.”
Let us now move into some basketball action. The William Dawson Sprite/Digi Basketball Tournament is back. The first two games of the 2024 season were played on Friday night at the Yabra Green Sporting Complex. Here are some highlights from a matchup between defending champions Hard Rock Boys and 2.0 BZE.
An early two pointer for 2.0’s Oliver Solis. Travis Bernardez returned the favour under the rim at the other end. Back again for another season, Earl “Bolo” Johnson with the layup off the breakaway. Marcel Richards with the wide open two-point shot. Alrick Olivera gets it and puts an end to Hard Rock’s run with a two-point jumper. Down by two points at the start of the second quarter, Joshua Franklin with a hail Mary of the backboard. Johnson again fumbles the ball, manages to get it back, spins around, and quickly puts it up. Franklin passes off to his teammate on the fastbreak, and that’s a smooth two-point layup. Bolo Johnson with the turnout jumper. What a beautiful shot! Solis to the rim; find Donovan Baird who puts up the layup to end the first half. Ultimately, Hard Rock took home their first win of the season with thirty-four points, while their opponent was only able to secure twenty-nine points.
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
We have been covering various camps and trainings since the beginning of summer. Today, we visited a different kind of activity, one where young athletes are learning how to prepare healthy meals that will keep them fit and energized when they are competing in various sports. Visiting celebrity chef Art Smith and his business partner, rugby athlete Lucas Cancelier, are leading the sessions organized by Ambassador Shabazz. We stopped by OURS Café and Lounge this morning where healthy cuisine is the order of the day. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
Ismar Vasquez
Ismar Vasquez, MMA Fighter
“As soon as I heard this, that it’s a cooking class and it’s dedicated for athletes, it’s more on the education for sports side of things, I was excited so that’s when I knew I wanted to come for it.”
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting athletes’ performance and overall health, as they engage in intense physical activities that require more energy than the average person. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary fuel for training and competition.
Lucas Cancelier
Lucas Cancelier, Former Athlete/Chef
“All my life I did sports and I know that doing sports, it all depends on what you do during the day it’s what you will need, more proteins, more carbs. So my idea here is teaching them, it all depends on how they feel and what they need to eat and knowing what you have in the fridge too. We all don’t have the possibility to have everything in our fridge, so we need to know what we have and what are the properties of what we have in the fridge.”
Different sports have varying nutritional requirements. Endurance athletes may focus on carbohydrates, while strength athletes prioritize protein intake. Adequate nutrients support muscle strength, endurance, and power. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are essential for optimal performance.
Ismar Vasquez
“I like that they are emphasizing how important the vegetables are that any meal that you want to do as an athlete, you want to start off with your vegetables. It helps with your digestion and, as well, you know, it adds to the food, the flavors and the healthy aspect of it.”
Ismar Vasquez is a young athlete who has transitioned from the sport of rugby to mixed martial arts. Along with several other sportsmen from various disciplines, he is learning the importance of a nutritionally adequate diet which is the foundation for an athlete’s success. They are learning from renowned American chef and restaurateur, Art Smith.
Art Smith
Art Smith, American Chef
“Sports and food, there’s very few places that actually have excellent food and there wasn’t a noted chef behind food and sports. And so, Oprah once said, Quincy Jones said this, the great Quincy Jones, the producer, he said, “If you can see it, you can be it.” And I saw the need for a chef and so, together, working with Sporty Bird and Lucas Concelier and others. I just met with the president of the Chicago Bears and as a way of bringing food and chef-driven food to the stadium because a lot of it is fast-food.”
The sessions attended by these athletes are part of a series organized by Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X. She has been friends with Chef Art for the past thirty years.
Attallah Shabazz
Amb. Attallah Shabazz, Organizer
“We’re at the OURS Café and Lounge, and OURS means, Our United Reclamation Shared. So it has a sensitive and dedicated component to it and so while we have a restaurant and special events, host special events and the like, when my visiting chef series comes in they are responsible for Monday to Monday. During that Monday to Monday, they get to know Belize personally, we identify areas that are associated to them such as this one which is sports and food and nutrition, the power of food. Then on Sundays, following, we always end with a special community brunch for everyone to participate here.”
In 2020, Lucas Cancelier, a rugby player, was on his way home to Argentina after a playing a season in Spain when he took a detour to visit Smith in the United States. When the pandemic struck, he was unexpectedly quarantined in Florida. Their time together resulted in Smith losing seventy pounds. A new concept for sports and healthy eating was also born.
Lucas Cancelier
“I always had the idea to mix sports and food because I like to teach people [about] what is right to eat. So we started doing some media together. After that, I told him, why don’t we mix your fried chicken, because he is so famous for fried chicken, with my Argentinean Milanese. I had my mom’s recipe that is pretty good, and he said, “Let’s try it.” So we tried it, people loved it and we started putting some stores, the name is Sporty Bird. So we have a Sporty Bird in Chicago and we are expanding to other states now.”
Together, Cancelier and Smith are teaching Belizean athletes how to eat healthy and excel in their respective disciplines. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
On Saturday, Enoch Ethiopian International is hosting a Haile Selassie I One Hundred and Thirty-Second Earth Day Celebration at the Birds Isle. This event will mark nineteen years of celebrating Haile Selassie I’s earth day in Belize. It promises to be a time loaded with entertainment and food. Ras Reuben, a member of the Rastafarian community in Belize, stopped in at our studio to tell us more.
Ras Reuben
Ras Reuben, Member, Rastafarian Community
“This event is an annual event. We have been hosting it for nineteen years, since 2005 I have been on the forefront being in charge of hosting it in Belize City. It is an annual event that we try to get the awareness of the community of what Rastafari means to the community. This year we have Mile 41 Band, Kenny Gladden and the New Creation Band, and we also have a couple other artist, Ras Melanin, Ras Sherman and we two big DJs, Tony G and Fada Mose wah the spin pan the wheels ah steels. This is not as you would say exclusive to Rastafari small community. This is for the wider community and that is why we try to put together a show that has multiple kinds of personalities so that people could fins something to attract them. We also have food, my food will be there, Vegan Bites will be there. We have food from other people, for people that do eat meat and other stuff. So, a wide variety of entertainment for the people deh. That is the idea to come, commune, unite with a cooler, calmer, positive vibration. The idea is for us to find ways to interact with each other and learn at the same time, spreading the energy and the vibes of the music.”
This summer, at least sixty children are being provided with the resources and guidance to enhance their learning experience through the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club. For three weeks students across Belize City participated in supplementary classes and extracurricular activities funded by community members in Belize and the diaspora. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the camp at Gwen Lizarraga High School to learn more about the initiative.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
For many Belizeans living abroad, the desire to assist their loved ones at home is shown one way or another. Whether sending a barrel of clothes or school supplies, or providing groceries for those fallen under hard times, there are many ways to give back to the communities that raised them. At the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club, this is achieved by funding the annual educational summer camp hosted in Belize City. Mike Gentle, the education director who has been teaching for almost thirty years, tells us why he makes the journey from New York every year to participate in the program.
Mike Gentle
Mike Gentle, Education director, R.S.P.C.S.C.
“I like to think of it as an enrichment program. I do STEM in the state, so I did a couple of classes in engineering, and have just a freethinking kind of thing, try to get these kids to generate their own thoughts and design; so that’s basically where we start with our engineering class.”
Britney Gordon
“And why do you think it’s important to travel to participate in activities like this?”
Mike Gentle
“It’s important because these kids need to learn how to think. The education system, for the most part, in Belize, and from my experience in the States, is geared to training students. They don’t teach students to think independently or be creative. So education in Belize, especially now that I’m here, is a training system. And we need to start training and start educating.”
The camp was launched in 2019 and provides supplementary classes for children who may not have the opportunity to participate otherwise. Throughout the three-week program, children learn a range of topics, including robotics and sports, and are visited by guest speakers from different walks of life. Children are taken on a field trip for an additional extracurricular experience at the end of the program.
Kawhi Enriquez
Kawhi Enriquez, Student
“Well the camp program is very fun, and the teachers are very helpful, my teachers name miss Cadle, and she is very helpful to me.”
Britney Gordon
“What kind of subjects do you like to learn about?”
Kawhi Enriquez
“Math, is my favorite subject, language and expressive arts.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you like about expressive arts?”
Kawhi Enriquez
“That you can express your feelings and your thoughts, through drawing.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you want to be when you get older?”
Kawhi Enriquez
“I am still figuring that out, but I think I want to be a doctor.”
Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Club is made up of Belizeans residing in Belize and the Diaspora and supports the advancement of youth in Belize. Sports Director, Harold Grant runs the camp each year so that children will be exposed to experiences beyond what is taught in a classroom and boost their self-esteem so that they can strive towards a brighter future.
Harold Grant
Harold Grant, Sports director, R.S.P.C.S.C.
“And we need to give back to the kids. Our kids is not as educated as the kids in the states. So, we have to make sure that we give back to them and try to in, in some way, let them know that they are somebody to be loved by people love themselves so that they can learn and be educated like the rest of the people in the world. No, our kids here in Belize, they are behind, with education, far. So, mister Gentle, he comes in from the diaspora, and he will teach the kids, and to take them on computers or stuff like that, he will be teaching them. We’re teaching them algorithms. We’re teaching them robotics. Last year, one of the kids took them, put a robot together. You know, so, he have some very interesting things for the kids them to learn here and Belize that we don’t have here, in Belize. So, he’s the man that’s really pushing behind this, this education thing.”
Urban Sketching is visual art form in which artists draw on location in the cities, town, or villages they live in or travel to. The Urban Sketchers movement is said to have begun in 2007. In Belize, one artist has taken up urban sketching to represent beauty in urban settings that may not be attractive to the untrained eyes. Yaoling Lee is compiling some of her best pieces from Belize City in a book that is set to be released this year entitled “Beautiful Belize City”. She is also passing on her skills to whoever is willing to learn, through six workshops over the course of the coming weeks. News Five’s Paul Lopez met with Lee in the hustle and bustle of downtown Belize City to learn more about her work. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Visual artist Yaoling Lee sees beauty in places where many may not find it. Tuesday morning’s hustle and bustle in the heart of downtown Belize City is just that to most people, pedestrians going about their busy day, vehicles meandering through narrow streets, and architectural structures from Belize’s colonial past. But in Yaoling Lee’s world, all this is inspiration for her creative process.
Yaoling Lee
Yaoling Lee, Visual Artist
“What I was doing is the urban sketching in watercolor and I start from sketching, so quick pencil drawing. Then I lay down the wash. What I did is lay down the first wash.”
What Yaoling Lee does is referred to as urban sketching. An urban sketcher captures what they see from direct observation. Yaoling Lee sketches what she sees and feels, while trying not to interfere with what reality presents.
Yaoling Lee
“Since I live here, I live in Belize City and I spend most of my time around here and I drive around often to find a scenery to paint. People ask me how I chose my scenery. It is hard to tell. Sometimes it is only because the house looks just right, the light is just right, sometimes because there is a sparkle light, and sometimes it is only because of the mood, I love it.”
Yaoling Lee’s work requires her to engage in a practice that has seemingly been lost in today’s age. That is the art of taking time to stop and appreciate wonders before our eyes presented through movements, shapes, and colors.
Paul Lopez
“Does colors or the location you select do they any at all depict any at all the character in terms of the culture of communities, Belize City in specific?”
Yaoling Lee
“Oh Yes, the first comes to my mind is those colonial houses. They are so beautiful.”
As Yaoling Lee demonstrated her artistic process, spectators gathered around to observe.
Yaoling Lee
“I need to add a person because I can’t do it now, because it is all wet. It will smear to everywhere. Usually I take time, sometimes I have to stop and continue later. But at least you capture the pencil drawing and that is the first wash. It is coming down so it is not good.”
That sketch, in its final form, looks like this finished piece. It took Yaoling Lee two and a half hours to complete this piece. It is one of the featured paintings in her soon to be released book titled “Beautiful Belize City”. The book features twenty-one of her most outstanding, watercolor, urban sketches. In the book, she shares insights on how she created them. Lee also enlisted twenty-one Belizean writers to add a touch of historical background, information and their unique perspective to each piece.
Yaoling Lee
“I have to say that the title of this book is called beautiful Belize City. This is how I see Belize City although you might have different thinking. So far, nobody tells me Belize City is a beautiful place.”
Paul Lopez
“How do you find the beauty in Belize City, because a lot of people may see it differently?”
Yaoling Lee
“Yeah, maybe like a lot of crimes, gangsters?” Not every single watercolor sketch comes out good. It is a process. So, I keep on painting, keep on sketching, keep on drawing. This book is a selection of some of my best work. I am making this book for myself. While I am doing those sketches, traveling around Belize City, I am curious about Belize City. I don’t know about it much, so I brought in those twenty-two Belizean writers to write about those historical background.”
Yaoling Lee says her work can also be viewed as a benefit to society because what is being recorded in her book can be passed on through generations. Lee will also be hosting six urban sketching workshops across five municipalities over the coming weeks.
Yaoling Lee
“The first one is this Saturday from the Belizean Museum of Arts, House of Culture and all the workshops are free. Of course you just have to come with your art supplies. You don’t need a lot of art supply. Come with pencil, if you have any watercolor, acrylic. But the most important is bring some papers, but at least one side, white, clean. We are going make a sketchbook from scratch.”
Tuesday is K.T.V. night at the Bliss. Tonight, eight contestants will be facing off to determine who will move on to the next stage, two will be heading home. This week, the theme is Gospel and production assistant, Monilee Aspinall promises some of the best vocals the show has ever seen. The show starts at eight p.m. sharp so be on time and prepared to be blown away. Here’s Aspinall with more details on what to expect at tonight’s event.
Britney Gordon
“So talk to me about KTV. It’s happening tonight. What can we expect?”
Monilee Aspinall
Monilee Aspinall, Production Assistant, KTV
“Tonight is a gospel section. I’m super excited. The contestants have been working really hard on their songs. We’re also having the duets, which, they are really working to make sure that they’re perfect. Voices blend and complement each other. I think you guys should definitely come out tonight because not only to see the hard work that they’ve been putting in, but to see the versatility of the contestants and the efforts that they’re putting in, not only from them, but from their families and their supporters on their end. So I’m definitely looking forward to their performances and I think that the in person experience is another world from watching it just online.”
Britney Gordon
“Where can we get tickets?”
Monilee Aspinall
“You can get tickets here at the Channel 5 building on Coney Drive, and you can also get it at the 88 Shopping Center on Central American Boulevard.”
Britney Gordon
“What time?”
Monilee Aspinall
“It starts at eight pm sharp so we’re opening doors at about seven. So definitely get there to secure your seats.”
Britney Gordon
“Would you call this a fun experience for friends and family?”
Monilee Aspinall
“It is a wonderful experience. I think it really highlights, how much work it takes to bring people together, as well as the effort on stage and behind the scenes. We can expect good music. It is fantastic. This is one of our strongest set of contestants this year, so you’re definitely going to be blown away.”
We have been following his development as a boxer, and on Saturday night twenty-three-year-old Amir Rudon will face off against his toughest opponent yet. Juan “El Toro” Mendez has more recorded fights under his belt. He is five years older than Rudon and aims to knock out his opponents. This match is Rudon’s Super Lightweight debut at one hundred and forty pounds. He describes it as a steppingstone towards much bigger titles. On Saturday, News Five’s Paul Lopez joined Rudon inside Alpha Boxing Club. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
He is about to face his most challenging opponent to date. On Saturday, July twentieth, Amir “King Mir” Rudon will go head-to-head with Guatemalan Juan “El Toro” Mendez in a six round super lightweight bout.
Amir Rudon
Amir Rudon, Boxer, National Lightweight Champion
“It seems to me that he has a power punch or a knockout punch, his record is a eight wins, three losses, but seven of his victories are by way of knock out.”
On Saturday, Rudon gave reporters a sneak peek into his training routine inside Alpha Boxing Club. Against his sparring partner, Rudon shows a great balance between speed and patience as he looks for the openings his opponent may present. With much precision, Rudon lands a few punches to his opponent’s body and couple to the face. His combinations are quick and show off his ability to manage the space between his opponent and pounce at any given moment. Rudon took a couple blows and dodged many of the shots directed towards him.
Amir Rudon
“I keep wanting to fight against better opponents, better names, bigger fights, step up into the competition and fight for regional titles and those stuff, so this is definitely sort of a test, I think it’s safe to say it’s a test to see if you want to say, “if we are ready for what’s to come”, and I’m confident in passing the test for sure.”
Paul Lopez
“The more we talk to you over the years, we continue to see our circle of influence grow, we continue to see you inspire more and more young boxers because of your discipline and the commitment you have to that. How do you feel about the level of influence you have right now and the inspiration that you’re creating for many young boxers?”
Amir Rudon
“It is with upmost pride and honor to be in this position, and I don’t take it lightly, or anything like that. It’s definitely been a long journey and I appreciate all the support I am receiving. You know, I’m not alone, although it’s a lonely sport, I’m not alone, I have a great team of people around me. I got you guys; I got the country’s support and I appreciate every single thing and we’ll go to the top together.”
Rudon’s eyes are set on winning a world title for Belize. As a twenty-three-year-old boxer with a promising future in boxing ahead of him, getting there requires focus on the opponent at hand. Mendez is coming into this one with two consecutive wins under his belt. Rudon is five years younger than Mendez, and this will be his first time fighting at one hundred and forty pounds.
Paul Lopez
“How well do you believe you could hold out for 6 rounds, against such a high caliber of a opponent like the one you’re facing next week?”
Amir Rudon
“100% confident that I will be able to go 6 rounds with him, I’m preparing for much more than that, its only that this fight is going to be 6 rounds but I’m confident that could do more rounds, next week Saturday or you know, anytime its presented.”
Steven Heusner, one of the members of the group that manages Rudon, is confident that he is currently in the best form to face off against Mendez.
Steven Heusner
Steven Heusner, Member, Amir Rudon Managing Team
“He was three and zero, but now it is six and zero with three straight knock outs, and you know it’s been a lot of work behind the scenes training, getting, you know, we just came back from Houston from a five-week training, which was very extensive. You know so, the level is going up, it’s a lot of hard work, you know I’m calling Amir almost every day. His mom, Mr. Marin, my wife, you know the support team is there all the time.”
Paul Lopez
What sort of contributions does your team Make in deciding who’s the next opponent for Amir?
Steven Heusner
“Well, you know, it’s a, we’re building, so as we go along, we’re going up in the opponent’s quality, you know so this is the biggest step for him so far, and if we get past this one, September will be a bigger step for him as well.”
Amir Rudon
“Sorry to interrupt, when, when not if, when.” *laughs*
The fight is set to go down inside the Swift Hall in Belize City.
Steven Heusner
“It is going to be exciting, Amir has improved juristically, and we are guaranteeing a victory, and we want to see the opponent on the canvas.”
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. The Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Tournament has come to an end. Champions were declared for both male and female categories on Sunday.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
In the female category, Royal Fusion went up against Alvian Strikers for the championship trophy. Three minutes into the match Royal Fusion’s Amina Burgess sprinting down the other end, made the pass at midfield, got it back and wasted no time disposing the ball into the net. That’s one goal for Royal Fusion. Only two minutes later, Alvian Striker’s Aisha Reyes found an opportunity in front of the goalpost off a corner kick, and she made it count, tying the game. And just before the end of the first half, the referee called a handball against Alvian Strikers inside the penalty box. Jocelyn Zuniga gave Royal Fusion a two-to-one lead.
Up by one with one minute of play time remaining, Amira Burgess, up against multiple defenders found the opening at the top of the penalty box and sealed the victory for her team. The award for Best Forwards went to Royal Fusion’s Jocelyn Zuniga. Akila Baizar received the Best Goalkeeper Award, while Amina Burgess received the Most Goal and Playoff M.V.P. awards. Alvian Strikers also walked away with four personal awards, including the Regular Season M.V.P. and Best Coach.
The male finals were played immediately after that game. By this time, fans had filled the stands inside Berger Field. They were all in a celebratory mood as the atmosphere was filled with drumming and cheering. This was 2023 finals rematch between Ladyville Rising Stars and Belize United. Rising Stars lost to Belize United then and so they had something to prove. Belize United sought to defend their title and secure a fourth consecutive championship. After thirty-six minutes of hard-fought playtime from both teams, that even left Belize United’s goalkeeper gasping for air, this one came down to a penalty shootout.
Fredrick Garbutt was the first penalty kicker for Rising Stars. He managed to outplace goalkeeper Noe Flores. Belize United’s Ralph Mendonza sent the ball to the left of the goal. The goalkeeper predicted the kick but just could not get the stop. Kent Noralez kicked was the second kicker for Rising Stars and he easily counted the goal.
Belize United’s Jaime Dominquez returned the favor. The penalty shootout was now two goals each.Unfortunately for Rising Stars, Zion Gibson’s penalty kick was stopped by goalkeeper Noe Flores. Schae Gordon launched a rocket to goal for Belize United to put them up, three goals to two.
Jahan Kingston kept Ladyville Rising Stars in this one with a necessary goal. Christopher Gilharry counted the fourth straight made penalty shot for Belize United. Nigel Hulse Junior with the most critical shot for Rising Stars. Goalkeeper Noe Flores again with the stop and players and fans alike erupted in celebration.
Belize United secured its fourth straight Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Championship. Noe Flores was awarded the playoff M.V.P. trophy. So that brings an end to an exciting season for these young and promising athletes.
Over the course of the five days, Belize’s National Senior Women Football Team fought Bermuda in two friendly matches. The first match was held on Thursday night inside the F.F.B. Stadium. Belize won that match two goals to zero. A rematch was held on Saturday night at the same venue. Unfortunately for the National Senior Women Football Team, Bermuda came out on top in that one. They scored two goals, while team Belize was unable to get one in. The team will be travelling over the coming months to play additional friendly matches.
F.F.B.’s National Amateur Interdistrict Championship is well underway. A total of eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals. What is making news tonight is Saturday night’s match between Napoles F.C. and Ceasar Ridge F.C. inside the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. These highlights are courtesy Accion Deportiva Belize.
The referee called a handball inside the penalty box against Ceasar Ridge at the eightieth minute. As you can see, the call is made off a play directly in front of the goal. A penalty shot was awarded to Napoles.
Moments later, a Ceasar Ridge player is issued a red card after he confronted the referee. That player’s anger clearly increased and attacked the referee, physically assaulting him on the field. Two police officers intervened, and a struggle ensued between the player and the officers as he was being escorted to the locker room. The F.F.B. is yet to issue a statement on this incident. Napoles went on to win the match four goals to zero.
Speaking of national teams, Belize’s National Under-Twenty-One Female Volleyball Team has a big week ahead of them. Belize is hosting the Twentieth U-Twenty-One Central American Volleyball Championship. The tournament is set to begin on Tuesday night inside the Belize City Civic Center. The opening ceremony is scheduled for six p.m. Team Belize will play its first match against Nicaragua immediately after. This tournament comes on the heels of Belize bronze medal performance at the U-Twenty-Three Central American Championship in Honduras. Nicaragua won gold in that tournament. We heard from Team Captain, Gareth Bruce.
Gareth Bruce
Gareth Bruce, Team Captain
“I feel like all of us are well prepared, we are well developed and experienced since of our past tournaments. For most of us it is not our first time, but I can tell you that for my first time it was pretty exciting to travel and have your home crowd behind you supporting and have your coaches believing in you that you can do well and represent your country as best as you can.”
Team Belize is scheduled to play Honduras on Wednesday night, El Salvador on Friday and Guatemala on Saturday night. That will be the last game before the award ceremony.
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
