Boxing-St Thomas?

Question

I have heard that boxing legend Emile Griffith is a St Thomas native. How does boxing fall into the culture of the Virgin Islands? Is it celebrated, hated, popular? Are there ever exhibitions or shows? Considering the tragedy that Emile was involved in, is there a dark cloud hanging over the caribbean boxing community? Thanks!

Answer 1

I was just in St. Thomas for my honeymoon, and I never once saw anything pertaining to boxing.  I'm admittedly not a big boxing fan, so I wasn't looking for it, but I imagine if it was really popular you'd see or hear things about it on the radio/TV, and I never did.  

Sorry I don't have more info, but I hope this sort of answers your question!

Answer 2

Boxing events are actually pretty rare in St. Thomas.  I can remember there being a surge of events about a year ago but I never got a chance to attend.  Julian "The Hawk" Jackson is still working with young boxers in the territory.  I'm definitely going to the next boxing event they hold.  I think the territory is sort of lukewarm on boxing.  Football and softball have a lot more local fans.