There is an old saying which says ‘a prophet has no honor in his own country,’ and that is the way Charles ‘D-Boxer’ Leatham of Copthall is feeling right now.
At the recent Boxing Tournament for Creole Speaking Countries in Martinique, Leatham knocked out his opponent in a record four seconds. Only Mike Tyson has knocked out an opponent in quick order but it took him eight seconds at the beginning of his boxing career.
But Leatham is far from happy.
“To me it doesn’t feel like nothing because in Dominica they don’t recognize you for nothing,” he told Dominica News Online. “I did it for my country because presently we do not have much recognition. Boxing has been going on for years and we are just there, training, training, training. We not fighting enough and I just did it because I desperately needed a change, not only for myself, but for all those that coming behind.”
Meantime National Coach and Dominica Boxing Technical Director, Job Joseph, said the young boxer’s feat is sending a message that Dominica has what it takes for producing good boxers.
“That is sending a message out, that in Dominica we have what it takes but people are not seeing it and when you go outside there you are like kings,” he said. “And the guys we fighting against, that is their work: they fight, eat and sleep. We have our work to do, we have our family, then after we go and train for two hours a day and we still beating those guys.”
To add insult in injury, Joseph said boxers are not recognized in Dominica although when medals were won at the game, the flag of Dominica was used.
“Dominica getting praised but when we come back no body knows us,” he lamented.
He said no one is concerned about preparation, training, gears, doctor visit or nutrition for the boxers get but they are in it for the love of the sport.
“Nobody care how we get prepared to go up, all they want when we come back is ‘what you get?” he stated.
Joseph also said the size of Dominica’s team at the tournament was a setback.
“In the game we could not have captured the championship,” he said. “Although our records was the best in the Championship, it had to do with numbers.”
He explained that there were 33 boxers for Martinique and 29 from Guadeloupe but nine from Dominica, which placed it at a disadvantage.
“A win is three points, a lose is one point,” he said.
“D-Boxer” trains on the street and also in the afternoons at the Dominica State College (DSC) grounds with the Top Glove Boxing Club.
All expenses for the tournament were taken care by the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC).
Mehn… I couldn’t agree with the you more… In Dominica alot of good things go unnoticed. alot of people can be blamed for that, But i think first we need to look at alot of things… alot of caribbean people who made something great out of themselves started off in their homeland but then moved to countries where such sport/art or whatever talent it is, is more recognized or popular. in Dominica, boxing is not the main event however, I think winning consecutively WILL bring that awareness eventually. I think if he is gonna make it as a great boxer that he already is, He’s gonna have to move to another country where boxing is much recognized and a big event there. Make it out there and you make it everywhere. research any talented person and see there had to leave their land for another to make it bigger.
“Even if you’re the BEST farmer, there are certain foods you CANNOT grow in Dominica”.. my 2 cents
First I would like to thank God for his tremendous love in keeping the holy spirit bless throughout life,
First I would like to apologize for DNO editor to post a heading that makes my interview feel like I am not appreciated, when I totally am thankful for my coach “Job Joseph” hard training to keep me ready at a high boxing standard and my Team “Top Glove Boxing Club”
“Young boxer feels unappreciated” Seems rather childish as a Heading after being interviewed stating, “The Boxing Association need to put in more work to keep boxing alive, rather than killing true talented athletes then recruiting athletes from other continents”
So if you reading this, now you understand.
To all the encouragement that grow me from my past, thnx alot.
Ferl your pain.is true self
What’s up with that attitude? You love something, do it because you love it- not for praise and public recognition. So many people are toiling away at thankless jobs, helping the country to run and doesn’t have a picture on the State House wall.
We are proud of you; thank you for your service but in the absence of that, what? If nobody says good job you don’t feel like you’ve done a good job? Young man, take it easy and get your head out of your ass. Stop insulting my Dominican people.
Seems like this boxer thought that his victory would have been his $1 million ticket to stardom and riches. You win a fight and suddenly you are crying down everyone who does not give a rats behind? What about all those who win fights to keep you afloat? What happoens to all those who win fights on a daily basis but you never stop to read about how they do it?
Sorry bro. You have to put in more effort and a better attitude. Also, get manager who can promote you and STOP thsi self-pity foolishness.
don’t stop boxxer… You would be surprised to know who is watching and singing you praise….don’t get impatient or discouraged…..your time is NOW….
If boxers are not recognized, the blame should be put right at the feet of the Skeritt led Administration. The Administration spends million of dollars on unnecessary things, money is not spent on sports. The budget is will on Friday, I am sure ten million dollars will not be budgeted for sports like boxing, a swimming pool, table tennis to name a few. The Administration has killed the basket ball court in bath road, they have destroyed Mr. Lugay’s plans at Lindo Park. While sports are being buried, a Minister of Government has not been able to tell Dominicans what she has done with US $10,000 she received from a charitable organization. If you want any recognition, my friend, go join the line at the Red Clinic and don’t forget to wear Red.
Charles, I am very happy for you because you sure have come a long way from when I taught you at Roseau Primary. I know you love to box, I know you’re dedicated and no matter the weather, you’re always jogging under the Canefield cliff doing what’s best in the circumstances. Continue doing your best, if you have to wait on fame from the so-called officials you won’t get it, one thing I’ve always noticed in sports in Dominica you have to do things for yourself and when you’re successful, authorities always claim that you’re Dominican but never asks you what have you done to reach your goal….. I know I’ve been there…… Don’t look for incentives you sure won’t get!!!
Thnx alot.
” Only Mike Tyson has knocked out an opponent in quick order but it took him eight seconds at the beginning of his boxing career.”
Nonsense! It is rhetoric such as that above which hinders recognition; When we crave fame and recognition, it evades us; to be recognized we need to prove ourselves. Dominicans are like this as soon as we involved ourselves into anything, we tend to expect the nation to look up to us, and expect to be placed on a pedestal.
Mike Tyson career began in the streets, the man was a thug, so if you are making comparisons to Tyson, that is why you may not get any recognition in a hurry, you are thinking of yourself as a god all because of a single amateur fight?
Tyson won his fights because he breath fear into his opponents in the ring. I refer you to Buster Douglas how knocked him out cold in the ring, and what did he do after that, he bit off one of Holifield era while Holifield whipped his Butt! Respect and honor is not an overnight thing!
You time will come! You’re a pioneer… just make sure no one forgets your name, so when the history is written you get your credit.
I love boxing but I will tell you it’s a sport that has died, I can see how you may feel but it’s not only DA people show less interest in the sport it’s world wide. The sport now is for those who really loves it, from here on you will feel that way for a long time, I will say to use this as a motivation so you can be very successful is this dying sport.
“DA people show less interest in the sport it’s world wide.”
You are either crazy or dumb, or as usual, making comparisons with the rest of the world, when we are not in anything: the name Dominica does not ring a bell in America, or any of the developed world!
What do you know about International Boxing? That is absolutely the highest paying sports in the world, haven’t heard about the hundreds of millions of dollars paid to Maywether in Las Vegas two months, or so ago; his opponent who lost the fight was paid more than three hundred eighty million dollars; and that was not even a heavyweight title fight!
Some of the professional boxers in the United States, has more money in their bank account than we have in our treasury, so what are you babbling about? That kid I doubt could make it into the Olympics, that is where the careers of all the great begins.
Let us see his performance in the Olympics, then you can start mumbling!
So what did you expect? a press conference? we’re a small country fella and boxing is still small time here
Is that your response to the young feller who went out there and represented his country? you people sicken me…
Typical Dominicans we never learn to appreciate our own kind. Such is life…it goes on
Leatham if you want to move on in life and your career get out of this corrupt country,if you dont have a big name you will not go anywhere,
what about if i vote labour grell? can i go everywhere?
I totally agree with u. I remember Doris Francis an Adam sanford it have others I know off who had the potential of sports cricketers to say an they had to get out of the country to get the recognition. Doris went to st.Vincent ,st Lucia an Adam to Antigua dat when dominica want to give recognition which I find is not right dominica didn’t do nothing to help them an to take praise of their success. Now Doris is captain of the women team in the states.
“BOXING” the sport for those who are suicidal. Don’t you know that constant blows to the head can cause serious head injuries also brain damage which can or may lead to ones death. You want to be appreciated for a sport like this? You look strong, healthy and fit, why not do track and field or play Soccer. We also need sport teachers at our schools how about that. God forbid.
Sparkles why are you trying to kill dreams? Change your name to Dims not sparkles.
Yeah right, dreams to destroy lives.
That’s the most ridiculous UNEDUCATED statement on this thread.
I would agree with Leatham and it’s time that we should get with it boxing is high in the Olympic for years, I wonder why didn’t the Boxing and Olympic committee s didn’t made sure that Leatham was part of the PAN AM GAMES , this is the athlete that got a gold for Dominica we should have female and male participant , unfortunately she didn’t come thru for Dominica from what I understood . DA. Selection is key so stop holding back the best athletes allow them to big up Dominica Sports and Dominica on the big scale, Sports are big business outside the Caribbean so try to embrace and take advantage of it and stop the nonsense.
hey job! i know you and i’m from dominica
Man I personally don’t like boxing and I don’t think boxing is a popular sport in Dominica. Rounders even more popular than boxing. If you’ve been boxing for awhile you would have notice the number of people coming to watch the local fights. Additionally, the local association needs to do more to promote the sport. Maybe I might get to like it if they make it exciting.
Having said that, I think your comments are not in keeping with what we have come to expect from individuals representing our country. As a young sports man you need to develop better decorum if you plan to have a professional future.
Or else what? he wont represent Dominica or get far in sports here? Secondly, boxing is a very popular sport here. Many people watch it on tv especially during the big fights. There just aren\’t any proper facilities for people really interested in it to begin training. Where can i find a proper boxing ring and punching bags weights etc to properly train as an amateur boxer? where can a find A PROPER FACILITY in the country to train for ANY SPORT? Nowhere. I fully support the young man with his statements. An i laugh whole heatedly about your decorum and threat about planning to have a professional future representing the country. Yes it can be promoted more yes the association can do more but when we try to take matters into our own hands to develop sports in Dominica you get side tracked with bureaucracy.
I don’t understand the outrage. It’s the responsibility of the boxing association (if one exists) to raise the awareness of the sport. One thing you need to learn is this: just because you are in love with your activity, that does not mean the rest of the world shares or even cares about your passion.
Our leaders are preoccupied with feeding their pockets,and that of their close associates.You all are of no significance to them,except when a general election is imminent.
Anyway dont give up!
Keep on fighting,!
So sad….but no one is appreciated in this country, so you are not alone.
no you did not do it for your country you did it for fame cause first thing u do as you comeback is start to say that you are not appriciated if you are doing this for fame my friend your in the wrong country for doing it
“To me it doesn’t feel like nothing because in Dominica they don’t recognize you for nothing,” thats what you did it for that statement alone says alot about you ur not in it for your country your in it for your own selfish reasons
ANYWAY CONGRATS ON YOUR QUICK KNOCKOUT OF YOUR APPONENT WELL DONE
but dont do things expecting fame and when you dont get it claim u did it for country and the country doh reconise you cause people will see you for who u really are
”Help The Lady” In reply to your comment; his statement doesn’t mean he is doing it for the fame at all, he is stating that there isn’t any appreciation (as to other countries where boxers are seen as national heroes. In that tournament he represented Dominica not himself and he should be praised for doing so. If he wanted fame he would just leave the country and turn pro, but he hasn’t done that, he continuously competes at an amateur level representing Dominica.
I hope my comment added a new perspective for you and other readers.
One day things go get better,, am a boxer too,,, n the things we do for our country for no money ,, i work for my own money n fight for free cause we want too n love the game, still we dont care abou fame,,, al we need is al u support so we can bring a gold next Olympic n put our country on the olympic map…