Wesly Félix, known as Kid Ali, a figure of eccentricity and panache on Haitian rings in the1970s–80s, embodies a time when boxing was a school of hard work, rigor for boxers, and passion for us, Haitians.
As for Kid Ali, the record books preserve a loss by KO in Port-au-Prince on April 26, 1983, against the Trinidadian Fitzroy Guisseppi — after a draw the previous year — episodes that take nothing away from the aura of the « former Haitian champion » celebrated by the national press, up to the moving obituary published at his passing in December 2015.
If I venture to speak of Kid Ali today, it is to state without half-measures: boxing can — and must— be an outlet for youth energy, but never a work around for lawlessness.
Only when the State restores public order and safeguards accessible gyms and community rings canthat outlet become a ladder to professionalism — licensed coaches, sanctioned fight cards, paid purses, insured events, and taxable revenues.
Safe, supervised spaces first; the professional pathway next. Build oases (safe parks, school gyms,municipal halls), certify clubs and referees, and we will channel rage into craft, craft into careers, andcareers into public revenue.
Security policy remains the non-negotiable foundation; boxing is the engine we build upon it.
Boxing offers decisive strengths to channel youthful energy and divert it from violent trajectories:
The Nouvelliste has reminded us: Haiti will build a durable « boxing culture » by consolidating infrastructure and coaching.
In this spirit, federal and ministerial initiatives matter — not only to foster cohesion, but to unlock a pipeline to professional boxing that pays.
With Haitian Amateur Boxing Federation (FHBA) caravans, Karibe gala nights, and MJSAC youth and sports programs, young athletes can progress to paid bouts, licenses, and events that generate revenue, tourism, and formal jobs — new opportunities for practitioners, the State, and the country.
If I venture to speak of Kid Ali today, it is to state without half-measures: boxing can — and must— be an outlet for youth energy, but never a work around for lawlessness.
Only when the State restores public order and safeguards accessible gyms and community rings canthat outlet become a ladder to professionalism — licensed coaches, sanctioned fight cards, paid purses, insured events, and taxable revenues.
Safe, supervised spaces first; the professional pathway next. Build oases (safe parks, school gyms,municipal halls), certify clubs and referees, and we will channel rage into craft, craft into careers, andcareers into public revenue.
Security policy remains the non-negotiable foundation; boxing is the engine we build upon it.
Boxing offers decisive strengths to channel youthful energy and divert it from violent trajectories:
- Channeled aggression, discipline, ritual: a training framework, rules, and an ethic ;
- Ambition and responsibility: measurable goals (bouts, weight classes, titles) that structure
- effort ;
- Social bond and mentorship: coaches, peers, clubs, and galas foster belonging and local pride ;
- Pathway to professionalism: a structured amateur-to-pro ladder — regional tournaments, national rankings, licensing, and certified officials — so talented youths can transition to paid bouts under recognized sanctioning bodies.
- Economic lift and visibility: access to sponsorships, scholarships, stipends, and purses; revenues from ticketing, streaming, and merchandising; and exposure to scouts and promoters — creating sustainable careers at home and on accredited circuits abroad.
The Nouvelliste has reminded us: Haiti will build a durable « boxing culture » by consolidating infrastructure and coaching.
In this spirit, federal and ministerial initiatives matter — not only to foster cohesion, but to unlock a pipeline to professional boxing that pays.
With Haitian Amateur Boxing Federation (FHBA) caravans, Karibe gala nights, and MJSAC youth and sports programs, young athletes can progress to paid bouts, licenses, and events that generate revenue, tourism, and formal jobs — new opportunities for practitioners, the State, and the country.
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