“A cut man in the corner is critical for any boxer’s success and it is great that I have been given this opportunity to represent Guyana in terms of getting this qualification.”
So said Three-Star International Boxing Association (IBA) Coach, Sebert Blake who is on the cusp of adding another accomplishment to his post retirement resume’.
Blake, is set to become the first Guyanese to sit the IBA Cutman Technician Certification Course.
The course will be conducted during the Women’s World Championship in New Delhi, India, from March 15-31. Blake’s two female standout charges, sisters, Alisha and Abiola Jackman are set to compete at the event.
Said Blake of the new opportunity which awaits in New Delhi.
“I think it is a great opportunity for me to be heading off to do this high-level course. It is great that I have been given this opportunity to represent Guyana in terms of getting this qualification and be able to do my duty whenever required at the major championships moving forward.”
According to IBA’s sports website, the primary objective of the course is the development the Cutman Technician in each national team which will provide the pugilists with the essential treatment to avert and manage injuries such as hematomas, lacerations and nose bleeds. It will also reduce hand injuries with the mastery of hand-wrapping techniques.
The main objective of the course is to help develop our Cut Technicians and increase the pool of specialists around the world as well as to broadening the knowledge of coaches, doctors and physiotherapists about hand wrapping techniques and facial injury care of the athletes.
Following the removal of head-guards, IBA stated that the importance of experienced cutmen to assist boxers cannot be understated. Thus, the world governing body crafted a course that will train and equip cutmen with the requisite aptitudes to prepare combatants before, during and after fights.
The examination process comprises four sections. Theoretical sessions will be conducted for one day, while practical training will last for the duration of half a day. Continuing in the same vein, the written examination will encompass a period of an hour, whilst half a day will be required for the practical assessment.
Blake added “It is a great move that the association has afforded me the opportunity to get the qualification because it is very important to a boxer who have a chance at winning medals, because a simple cut can cause a boxer to be out of the fight.
I am willing to give back as much as possible to the sport whenever the opportunity arises to utilize my skills” Blake concluded.
