Edner Cherry is one of the finest boxers born here in The Bahamas. His entire boxing career however was developed in the United States where he moved at the age of 11. He thus is not considered to be in the mainstream of the Bahamian boxing fraternity. Still, I feel obligated at times to provide an update about Cherry and his career.
It is worth emphasizing also, that despite a physical disconnect between Cherry and the land of his birth, he nevertheless makes it a point to associate himself with The Bahamas during interviews. I have heard his salute to this country.
The Bahamas Boxing Commission officially lists him and so do the major boxing organizations around the world. Eight years ago when I first became a director of the Commonwealth Boxing Council, I was pleasantly surprised when other veteran members expressed high regards for Cherry and his Bahamian background. Quite frankly, prior to that occasion, the Bahamas Boxing Commission had no relationship whatsoever with Cherry.
He was contacted and from the outset it was clear that he loved being able to represent The Bahamas in rings around the world.
Well, at age 29, he is still doing quite well.
Cherry is well on the way back to the top world boxing official ratings. He has had a quality career thus far with a 30-6-2-1 (won-loss-drawn-no contest) record. He has owned a number of regional titles, including the WBC United States; the North American Boxing Federation; the North American Boxing Association; and the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) lightweight titles.
Cherry has also fought for the World Boxing Council Light Welterweight crown, losing to Tim Bradley. That decision loss over 12 rounds was the last time he came out on the wrong end of the verdict. He has had seven matches since and was most convincing in all of them. He ran off a streak of four wins after the Bradley bout and his last two bouts ended in victory.
Last September he fought Eric Aiken at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Cherry unleashed a barrage at the bell to end round one and Aiken was unable to continue. It was officially ruled that Aiken was hit after the bell so a "no contest" was recorded.
Being undefeated since 2008 lines him up now for top world ratings. He remains confident that another world title fight will come before he is finished with the ring.
His preference is to fight as a lightweight.
"I'm comfortable fighting at lightweight and I believe my best opportunities are in that division. However I've gotten some chances for good fights at the light welter limit. To get to where you want to be, you have to take those matches.
"I want to fight always to make my people in The Bahamas proud. I believe I can win a world title," he has said to me.
He certainly has the ability to wear a world title belt.
Continued best wishes Edner!
You are somewhat distant to the boxing scene here in your country, but a Bahamian at heart and very much an important contributor to our sports power image.
To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

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