BELIZE NEEDS A REVOLUTION
70% of Belize's population is under the age of 30. The Belize National Census (2011) shows a national unemployment rate of 23.1%. The murder rate is 105 out of 100,000 people per year (2011).
Youth drives revolution and youth need hope. Boxing can provide both. It also can prevent and deter violence. Imagine a society that is fit, healthy, and busy. One
where people are more concerned with sporting events, arts, and innovation rather than violence, crime, and corruption.
BOXING IS THE KEY TO CHANGE
I know what you're thinking: how the hell can boxing revolutionize a society and a culture?
It's actually quite simple. It all starts with what makes us human. There are 2 distinct abilities of a human being that separates us from beasts:
1) The ability to reason.
We are the only known species that has this ability; to know right from wrong, good from bad, to negotiate and persuade.
AND
2) The ability to make a fist.
No other animal can do this. Apes fingers are too long and other animals with fingers, say raccoons for instance, have claws preventing the fist to close.
You see, boxing makes perfect sense. It maximizes our two distinct abilities precisely. With a structured, well organized system boxing can become a deterrent for crime and war. It also creates jobs on multiple levels as well as healthy overall
lifestyles. Boxing itself is an art and attracts people from all different walks of life.
CULTURAL IMPACT
As the sport grows, you will begin to see a cultural and societal shift. Less of the youth will opt for gang participation because the fraternal nature and culture of the boxing clubs will fulfill that void. They will become local celebrities and
motivate others to follow suit.
The demand and increased earning potential for sports nutrition and products will cause people to sell more natural products (dried fruits, coconut water,etc.), sports specific products (gloves, training equipment, shoes, etc.) and general merchandise
(club apparel, flags, posters, etc.) instead of drugs and stolen goods. More overall development amongst the country begins: gyms and clubs forming in the villages, arenas being built, infrastructure upgraded to handle the growing demand for sports entertainment.
KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE
Boxing is structurally flawed on a global scale. There are 19 weight classes and over 80 different "champions". It seems like a new championship belt is created every week.
Belize offers an unique opportunity to fix this problem as well. With athletes now able to train regularly, they'll need an outlet to showcase their hardwork. That's where the League comes in. These fine boxers will now be able to earn a living while setting
the example for the rest of the boxing world. Additionally, the structured League format will establish a properly running organization, free from corruption and special interests.
There are 6 districts that make up Belize: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, and Toledo. We have established clubs in 3 (Belize, Cayo, and Toledo) of the respective districts thus far with the additional 3 (Corozal, Orange Walk, and Stann
Creek) set to be completed by mid August 2015. Currently we host amateur events every 2-3 weeks in the various districts. The next step is to begin the professional tour (League of Champions) so the athletes can compete at a higher level. The pro tour will
begin in September 2015 and run until June 2016.
The first event will be key. It will be held during the September events, which is a huge holiday in Belize. It will consist of a minimum of 5 bouts. Each bout will be 4, 3 minute rounds. Many eyes will be in the country and we want to show our best. There
will be a full schedule of upcoming bouts released during the event and the world will get to see what a real structured league looks like.
Learn more: http://belizeloctour.wix.com/loctour
Our Team
Name: Simon Omar Herrera
Position: Commissioner
Duties: Manage overall operations of the project. Manage and operate the budget. Liaison with donors and volunteers. Assist in training of new coaches and officials. Be the face of the League and uphold the League constitution.
My Story
I have been involved in the sport of boxing for close to 20 years. I fought as an amateur and have been an active trainer, manager, and promoter.
Due to over regulation and corruption in the United States and around the world, competitive boxing has never properly developed. It is the only organized sport in the world that lacks any type of league or association. So called federations
and councils that do exist, are simply crony organizations with only the interests of the few, not the majority, of the sport.
Because of the overall corruption globally, it has been a challenge to get a properly structured organization off of the ground.
I became aware of Belize when a friend of mine in Los Angeles, a Belizean, and huge boxing fan told me the history of boxing there. I began to do my research and realized that the opportunity to grow the sport in Belize would be exponential.
It hasn't been easy. I've been my own angel investor, spent a ton of my own personal savings and have been cheated, stolen from, and vandalized along the way.
I am the first one through the wall. I am taking all the risk. All we need now is your support!
Name: Frank Asad Martinez
Position: Chief of Boxing Instruction
Duties: Train new coaches. Maintain and insure proper development of League coaches, assistants, and boxers. Assist in overall League development.
Name: Clinton Tucker
Position: Public Relations/Boxing Coach
Duties: Assist the League in coaching boxers for League events. Connect with local community members to obtain assistance and support for League events.