Getting to Thailand
The night was still young as I was running late for our meet up time at the Frazer house in Brampton. I tend to spend time with my nephews and family members before flying out for big tournaments and events. My phone rang and it was my Mom calling; “Joshua where are you at?!” she yelled. I simply replied “I’m hanging with Hendrixx (my nephew) for a bit.” The clock read 10:25 pm and my house was a 40 minute walk up the road. My Mom was yelling for a good reason “everyone’s ready and your bags better be packed because we are leaving now,” she said. I remember jumping to my feet and telling my brother “I go to jet, Mom said we’re leaving at 11:00.” Although I may have a 20 hour flight ahead of me, I had to run home or I was going to be late.
As I ran around the corner, close to my house, now slowing down to an awkward but smooth pace after sprinting from my brother’s house, I remember seeing a small but excited group of people out front of my house. I recognized my Mom, Dad, Big 12 (Ricardo Brown my super-heavyweight teammate from Jamaica), Coach Ira, her husband Scott and a few new faces. Everyone was laughing because I am always late and am usually running for something such as the bus to make up time. I ran up the driveway into the house as my Dad packed the van and everyone said their goodbyes. Next up - our 20 hour journey to Bangkok, Thailand.
Hours later, my father Dewith, Coach Ira and I were well on our way. After a fifteen hour flight to Taipei, a two hour layover and another three hours to Bangkok International Airport ,we made it. Piece of cake. I had both coaches to keep me in the zone and focus on winning my first international medal & possibly make history for my homeland of Jamaica.
As we arrived in Thailand, it felt amazing to finally be able to walk around freely again. An amazing ambassador from the Thailand Cup support team took us to Hotel Asia where the fighters would be calling home for the next 10 days.
Weigh-ins & Thai Food
Due to the time change, I was a day ahead and ready to rumble. We usually arrive a few days early to ensure we acclimatize for the fights properly. Coach Ira was traveling with us to ensure I was eating correctly and rehydrated in the best way possible to make sure there was no room for error during the fights.
The tournament was set up really nice and ran smooth all week. Opening ceremony was later in the evening on the day we arrived.
My first fight was on day 3 of the event, this gave the team some down time and me time for focus. We had two days to get used to the air and humidity and for rehydration before my first fight. Fight one went as planned, 5-0 win for Jamaica against New Zealand. Fight two would be more challenging, but that is what a boxer wants; to fight the best in the tournament and in the world. In my second bout, I fought a very skilled and solid fighter from China. Three rounds later and my hand was raised as they announced the winner, Jamaica. I was ready to keep moving up in this tournament.
Two More Fights Until Gold
After my second fight I had two days off to relax my muscles and to heal up. Some fighters receive head wounds from head-butts and flying elbows. Or, they just simply went through what some may call “a war.” I would be fighting India in my next fight. On the morning of the fight, I did my usual routine and worked out to remain focused on why we were there in Thailand. I was there to fight for every opportunity in life- and to make room for some amazing Thai-food.
The fight was going well in my eyes, but maybe I was judging the match instead of fighting for everything. I really wanted the gold medal at an international level. Ding, Ding! Round three was over and as I turned and walked back to my corner I was certain I won a unanimous decision. The lady on the microphone said “and your winner by unanimous decision” as my hand raised just a little i was feeling great and then the announcer continued “INDIA!”
Wow!
My heart skipped a beat and I thought to myself, “I got ripped off.”
Later that night, Coach Dewith, Coach Ira and I all sat down and took a look at the fight. I still thought I won, but by watching the footage I saw where I did well and what I could have done better. While studying the film, I saw every possible way I could've capitalized on India’s mistakes during the match. Also, I wasn’t slipping and drawing fast enough and I got hit with some clean shots.
The way the tournament is structured, I still left Thailand with a win, even though it was India moving on to the medal round.
Bangkok is an amazing city to fight in. The teams were well rounded and showed great respect for the opportunity to be in the ring. I had an amazing time traveling around the town and meeting some great new faces. My favourite parts of Thailand were traveling around town, trying the customs of bowing while greeting one another as well as eating the savoury street foods.
Go to Thailand and enjoy every experience of life! We’re all born to Win!