Corey Boyce could have boxed for the final time in Bermuda after being handed a three-fight suspension for instigating a brawl with Reyel Bowen at Controversy Gym.

Boyce and Bowen came to blows during a training session in October, with Leo Richardson, the Controversy head coach, having to act swiftly to defuse the situation and break up the fight.

Boyce, of the Bermuda Muay Thai Association, has long been linked with a potential showdown with Bowen, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, with the pair of amateur heavyweights becoming embroiled in a war of words on social media prior to their dust-up.

The Bermuda Boxing Federation met last month to discuss the altercation, and have essentially banned Boyce for 12 months, as well making several stipulations that he must comply with before he can return to the ring.

They include writing letters of apology to Bowen, Richardson and Chuck Morgan, the BAMA president, as well joining Bowen in meeting with students at CedarBridge Academy about the dangers of social media and importance of self-control.

It seems unlikely that Boyce will abide with the BFF’s demands, with Morgan describing the BBF’s punishment as overly severe. He admits his fighter may now turn his back on boxing and focus on Muay Thai.

“Corey will have zero part in Bermudian boxing for practically a year because the BBF only puts on a couple of events a year,” Morgan said.

“I feel it’s a harsh penalty, unfortunately people make mistakes, and he’s apologised to everyone involved.

“He has a year off boxing and we will use that time to develop his Thai boxing and we’ll focus on that sport now.

“Personably, I think it’s a loss to Bermudian boxing and I would be surprised if Corey Boyce boxes again in Bermuda.”

In a report obtained by The Royal Gazette, the BBF stated: “The Bermuda Boxing Federation is deeply disturbed by these events which took place at our member gym and even more so concerned that this altercation occurred between two of the most highly regarded and decorated competitors within our membership ... We also have very much considered this event in context of the social climate in Bermuda where sporting events and bodies are struggling to remain a safe place for participants.

“We also have recognised the dangerous role of social media as a catalyst to this conflict. However, more so than anything, our aim in our deliberations was to formulate a solution which might re-establish positive relationships between you the boxers involved [Boyce and Bowen] and to forge an atmosphere of mutual respect, co-operation and camaraderie amongst you the affected individuals, coaches and gyms.”

Boyce, a defender for Premier Division football side Robin Hood, has become something of a crowd favourite after a string of victories in both boxing and Muay Thai. In his previous bout, he stepped in at the eleventh hour to face Keanu Wilson, of BSA — a stablemate of Bowen’s — in an exhibition match at Fight Night on the Beach at Snorkel Park in September.

Boyce, who has represented Bermuda in rugby sevens, won the men’s B division light-cruiserweight title at the Muay Thai Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, in July and has also recorded wins against local boxers Trace Easton and Shannon Ford.

Bowen is also well known to local boxing enthusiasts and has returned to full training after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Known as the “Red Dragon”, Bowen is well versed in Muay Thai and represented Bermuda at the World Wushu Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, in November last year.

He also won a gold medal at the Pan American Sanda World Cup in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2014, and bronze at last year’s competition, as well as chalking up victories against local pugilists Deandre Morris and Justin Tucker.