The sole flag barrier for the country competing in boxing, at the Pan Am Games, is being cheered on by head coach for the national program Andre Seymour.
Seymour said he likes Valentino Knowles' chances of capturing a gold medal at the competition which will get on the way October 14-30, in Guadalajara, Mexico. If Knowles is successful, it will be the second gold medal for The Bahamas at that competition. Taureano Johnson won a gold in 2007.
"I think he will do great," said Seymour. "He will just be coming back from the World Championships where he will hope to qualify for the Olympic Games. Only five days is in between, so he will be in tip-top shape.
"He's been training daily. Going hard at bags. I know he is excited about participating because he wanted to qualify bad and I know he gave it his all when he was at the last qualifiers. It is unfortunate that Carl didn't qualify, but they're both working hard for the World Championships."
Knowles picked up one of the qualifying spots at the last Pan Am qualifiers, that were held in Panama City, Panama. It was one of the highest scoring matches in the preliminary round. The Bahamian, who competes in the 64kg weight class out-punched Daniel Munoz of Chile, 17:12 to win the bout.
Seymour added: "I am liking his chances at both events. Like I said he is ready and looking forward to competing."
Knowles and fellow countryman Carl Heild are ranked high among their peers in the Caribbean region. The two will look to improve their rankings when the World Boxing Championships are held September 22-October 9 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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