The 72nd Layton cup boxing meet organized by the Amateur Boxing association of Sri Lanka is to box off on the 18th of September at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium, Colombo.
The meet was initiated in the year 1942 where top-ranking boxers, particularly in the Armed Forces fought for major honours in the local boxing arena. Today, 72 years down the line the contenders are preparing to battle again at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium from the 18th to 22nd September 2014 as the boxing association of Sri Lanka hosts the Layton cup 2014 for the 72nd consecutive year.
This boxing meet will be open to winners and runners up of Novice, Intermediate, Stubbs Shield and winners of Junior Nationals Championships. In addition to this, any boxer who previously took part in any Major meets conducted by ABA of Sri Lanka is qualified to take part in this meet. Boxers are required to be over 19 years and below 40 years of age to compete at this meet but, this year due to the age barrier set by the AIBA the school boxers will not be permitted to participate which will in turn limit the number of participants.
With the enactment of the AIBA rules and regulations from August 2014, this tournament will be conducted according to it. The men’s bouts will consist of 3 rounds of 3 minutes each and the women’s bouts will be 4 rounds of 2 minutes each with a rest time of 1 minute between each round. The General weight classification by the medical examination for the male and female boxers will be held on the 18th September 2014 from 8.00am to 10.00am at the Sugathadasa Stadium which with official draw to follow at 11.00am on the 18th September 2014 the Sugathadasa Hotel.
All winners, runners up and semi-finalists will receive medals and certificates in recognition of their achievement while the best male boxer will be awarded the Admiral Sir Jeffery Layton cup.
The Former President of the boxing Coaching Association of Sri Lanka, Mr JK Indradasa will grace the tournament as the Chief Guest.
The Layton cup will provide young budding boxers in Sri Lanka an opportunity to stage their talents and to gain exposure. The sport which was once the most popular in the 90’s is in a stage of restoration with the involvement of many organizations and noteworthy personalities and the road seems bright for this sport where physically punching someone is done in an elegant and masterful manner.
