Tyler Christopher’s hopes of medalling at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend were shattered after his past came back to haunt him.

The southpaw was denied entry into the United States by US immigration officers at the LF Wade International Airport because of a previous conviction.

“They told me they were not allowing me into the US because I have police records and convictions,” Christopher said. “I was surprised because I was away in October and the stamp was there on my passport to prove it. But they said it’s a new immigration policy and now I have to go through a lengthy process to go to the US.”

Allan “Forty” Rego, Christopher’s coach, put the boxer in contact with Michael Dunkley, the Premier, in an effort to get him into the US.

“My coach Mr Rego linked with me Premier Michael Dunkley and I called him and told him what had happened and he was trying to get it sorted,” Christopher added. “He said he called the US Embassy to try and get a waiver but it could not be done in time.”

Christopher takes full responsibility for his previous runs-ins with the law but feels that the “system needs to change”.

“Everything I have done was under 18-years-old and I’m a whole different person now.”

Christopher’s confidence was soaring after a unanimous points victory over Gilbert Vargas, of Baltimore Boxing Club, at the Fairmont Southampton the previous weekend.

“I put a lot of hard work into training and was really looking forward to bringing a medal back to Bermuda,” Christoper said.

“I’m still kind of hurt about it because what is boxing when you can’t go America?”

Christoper, 20, has vowed not to allow his setback derail his dreams.

“I have to move on and keep going because that was the devil trying to stop me and make me go off track,” he said. “But I have the right people in my corner telling me what I need to do and how to move forward.”

Andre Lambe, Christopher’s stablemate, claimed the Novice welterweight division title — despite not stepping into the ring.

Lambe was awarded the belt after all five boxers in his class withdrew rather than face the southpaw.

The 21-year-old said his opponents pulled out as they were frightened to fight him after watching him doing pad work with his coach Pelon Andrade.

“I am so proud of Andre,” Christopher said. “I look up to Andre because he is a southpaw and he’s smooth and clean. Certain little things he does I want to learn because he has perfected it. Andre is ready for the professionals. He’s not on an amateur level and I think he should be Bermuda’s second professional fighter right now because he is good and is going to be great.”