Freeman Barr with plaque presented by Bahamas Boxing Commission
At 42, and in his first year of eligibility, native Androsian Freeman “The Natural” Barr on Sunday was inducted in the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.
On Sunday morning, Barr moved into the elite circle that includes Yama Bahama, Gomeo Brennan and Elisha Obed.
He likes the company.
“Man this feels real good. I really never got to know Yama Bahama and I still haven’t met Gomeo Brennan but I am proud to follow in their footsteps,” said Barr in an exclusive interview.
“Now Elisha Obed is another matter. I became familiar with him towards the end of his career and I am proud to take a pattern of him and win a world boxing title, the International Boxing Organization (IBO).
“It was special to do that and be greeted by the Governor General at Government House. I met Sir Orville Turnquest. I remember also officials welcoming me at the airport. I remember Winston Cooper was there,” added Barr who won the IBO middleweight crown in 1997.
Elisa Obed won the World Boxing Council junior middleweight championship in 1975. Cooper was the initial Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports.
On hand to salute Barr at the Intercontinental Hotel Ballroom on Sunday was his longtime trainer/manager Steve Canton and a team from the Bahamas Boxing Commission. Representing the BBC were Chairman Alvin Sargent, Officials Committee Chief Fernley Palmer and I, serving as Deputy Chairman and Secretary.
The BBC presented Barr with a plaque on behalf of the Bahamian Government and the people of The Bahamas.
Barr takes satisfaction in completing his career at a high level despite a battle with the lung disease Sarcoidosis.
“That was tough for me. But, God saw me through and here I am. I feel good and I am proud that I fought in a way so that other Bahamians might wish, if they go into boxing to be wise. If you are not wise in the ring or another profession you could get hurt . I am doing alright.
“I want to thank all of the people in my country who have supported me. I am proud to be a Bahamian. I want to help out in advancing the boxing program in The Bahamas,” said the resident of Naples, Florida.
Barr retired five years ago with a 29-4 record, and several regional titles to go along with the IBO world crown.
He was also the Florida State Champion, the International Boxing Council (IBC) Continental and the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title holder in the middleweight division. He won the NABO super middleweight title as well.
Quite frankly Barr could put the case forward of being the most decorated Bahamian boxer ever.
Prior to beginning a pro career he represented The Bahamas as an amateur.
The Florida Boxing Hall of Fame 2016 Class includes Alexis Arguello, Hector Camacho Sr., Marvin Camel, Beau Jack, Ray Mercer, Mike Quarry and Sugar Baby Rojas.
Well done Freeman!
By Fred Sturrup, Sports Scope
Source: Freeport News/Guardian
