PAMELA   BARKER

The Bahamas
May 27, 2000

Willie Stewart and Reggie Roberts, who train out of "Historic" Johnny Tocco's Gym in Las Vegas, and Don Juan Futrell and Pamela Barker, who train out of Nevada Partners in North Las Vegas, were be the four fighters that made the trip.

Reggie Roberts was the only fighter not able to make it due to a problem that arose after some of the Las Vegas Camp arrived in Nassau.

I myself was told by the promoters that a valid drivers license was sufficient identification to go to the Bahamas.  I was the first to find out that a drivers license was not an acceptable form of  identification to get into The Bahamas.

On May 24th, I stayed in the Miami Airport for over twelve hours waiting for a certified copy of my birth certificate, that my wife had sent, to arrive via "priority mail" on a cargo plane. 

I was picked up from the Nassau Airport late Wednesday night.  After a good nights sleep I started my day by contacting the sanctioning body President Don "Moose" Lewis.  He updated me on the current situation and some of the problems that still had to ironed out.

It appeared that some of the previous fights there, had been handled very loosely.   There were problems and commitments that were left over from previous events, held by Paradon Productions, that had not been fulfilled. These had to be corrected and complied with, before the Bahamian Boxing Commission would allow the Sanctioned Boxing Event to go on.

IBU President Don "Moose" Lewis, working closely with Bahama's Boxing Commission chairman Lloyd Turnquest and Sports Moose Productions Chris Thomas, was able to rectify any and all problems that had been left by Paradon Productions Promoter, Terry Demeritte. 

Originally the event was to be held inside an events center.  The events center was found to be booked by another show and had not been reserved by Paradon Productions.  After several changes in the venue, it was determined that the fights would be held outside, in the parking area of the events center.

The event was set to go at 8:oopm on Saturday night. Because of lack of publicity and other problems the turn out for the event was light.   More problems cropped up...........The clouds came in and threatened rain.  One of the main event fighters, Marvin Smith, was not there yet.

There was a quick light rain, then it stopped.  The first event was started at 9:30pm. While the fighters were still in the ring at the end of their bout, the rains came down and the winds blew.  Everyone in attendance ran for the nearest shelter.

The rain did not let up nor did the wind.  After several  meetings of the sanctioning body and the Boxing Commission, the event was cancelled. 

All the fighters had trained hard for this event.  They were pumped and ready to put on a exciting event.  They were very disappointed in the outcome.

As a result of  the problems that were created and had been left by Paradon Productions, Bahamas Promoter Terry Demeritte's license to promote fights has been revoked by The Bahamas Boxing Commission.

Don " Moose" Lewis has invited all the fighters to come back to The Bahamas in September for a rescheduled event. Lewis has assured all participants, the problems that were encountered in the May event, will not be a problem in September.  He expects it to be an exciting boxing event with approximately seven bouts.

This time the event will be promoted by Sports Moose Productions and the Crystal Palace Hotel and Casino.  The event will be held directly across the street from the host hotel, The Crystal Palace.