Bermuda.

A push to bring the sport back to its former glory began late last year and Simmons was last week given a mandate to continue when he was elected the Bermuda Amateur Boxing Association's new president.

Simmons currently runs a small boxing programme in Sandys as well as helping out at Allan (Forty) Rego's popular programme he runs out of his Warwick home.

Boxing has been dormant in Bermuda for about 10 years and although the BABA have remained active, their role has mostly been in sanctioning infrequent bouts on the Island. But that's about to change.

Newly-elected public relations officer Craig Morfitt said 26 people attended last week's annual general meeting and "there was a tremendous feeling of enthusiasm ... that boxing is about to see a re-birth in Bermuda.'' Since the death of W.F. (Chummy) Hayward, Vic Richmond has been acting as interim president. But Richmond, noting that most of the executive had been in office for the past 15 years, said fresh blood was needed.

He got his wish, although Richmond, an experienced boxing official still involved in the Police Boxing Section, will stick around as vice-president.

Joanne Rego, Gerry Lyons, James Marina -- a former US Air Force champion -- Rich Compton, Leon Raynor, Kevin Mayes and Morfitt round out the new executive.

"The youth of Bermuda want to get involved in boxing,'' said Morfitt. "This has been evidenced by the number of youngsters who are flocking to the small back-yard gyms sprouting up around the Island.'' Officials say the co-operative efforts of all these small groups will result in regular amateur boxing cards, helping to raise funds, which in turn will be funnelled back into participating gyms.