Bimini native Gomeo Brennan won the British Empire (Commonwealth) middleweight championship in 1963 and firmly established The Bahamas' connection with the highly respected boxing organization.

The Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC) for nearly 60 years (since 1954) has been a trusted body in world boxing, managing always to avoid the stigma of corruption that has been associated with other groups. Two of the CBC's presidents have been Bahamians (Wilfred Coakley and this journalist). There have been four Commonwealth Champions (Brennan, Steve Larrimore, Ray Minus Jr. and Jermaine Mackey).

The Bahamas Boxing Commission will officially launch its new administrative term on Wednesday, October 3 and the strong relationship with the CBC will be the foundation for an expanded program. Forging an even stronger link with the CBC, creating a Benevolent Fund and the official opening of its new "official" office will be high on the agenda of Chairman Alvin Sargent and the rest of the appointed members. The meeting is set for a 6:30 p.m. start on Wednesday, in the bottom floor meeting room of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's Complex on Thompson Boulevard.

Brennan, whose legendary ring record of 83-21-7 from 111 professional boxing matches, is alive and active, residing in Miami. At 73, Brennan is sleek and looks fit enough to rumble for a few rounds. He said as much recently when we chatted, and also expressed best wishes to the executives of the commission.

"You folks are going into another term of office and I wish for continued growth. Stay in contact," said Brennan. He offered to be a presence whenever called upon to further the boxing environment in the country.

No doubt solidifying ties with Brennan, other stalwarts of the game and indeed the entire professional boxing family will be a focus of the commission once it begins operation from the new office at the Carmichael Community Centre in the very near future. According to Sargent, the commission will work to provide the best atmosphere for progress in all aspects of professional boxing. While the "control" mandate of the legislation that brought the commission into being is clear, there is one area that is out of its jurisdiction.

The commission or any of its members would be in serious conflict by engaging in the promotion of events. The commission legislate the terms and conditions of promotions. Accordingly, accusations that the commission does not help with the promotion of boxing events are irresponsible. The commission sets the terms for promoters and ensures fairness in terms of payment of purses and fees and the competition in the ring. Sargent said he advocates continuance of this culture and promised an announcement of the plans going forward, soon after the meeting on Wednesday.