Boxers hoping for good showing at Awards

Boxers Nicholas "The Axeman" Walters and Alicia "Slick" Ashley are upbeat about their chances at Friday’s annual RJR Sports Foundation, Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards at the Pegasus Hotel.

Walters who defended his world WBA Featherweight Title last year knows it will be tough to win but is hoping from an improved showing from last year when he missed out on being named in the top two.

“Honestly, If I got even one of the top prizes this year, that will be nice, maybe the second place, maybe the first place. But just being nominated I am very happy. Jamaica is a very talented sporting country and to be nominated among the sporting body in Jamaica and the sporting people, I am very happy So I am feeling like a winner, even if I am not granted with the first prize or the second prize, but I am still feeling like a winner,” Walters commented.

Like Walters, Ashley wants to win the top prize but she admits it may not necessarily happen this year.

“I feel like I am getting close. I think the past few years there have been a progression and people are getting to know me more, I am fighting more on the bigger scale, so I think it is getting close. Even if I don’t win this year, I think in the next few years I will be, or I’ll keep getting nominated at least,” said Ashley.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, swimmer Alia Atkinson and cricketer Stafanie Taylor are the other female nominees.

Usain Bolt, a four time winner, along with fellow athletes Nesta Carter and Warren Weir are the other male nominees.

Live coverage of the awards can be seen on TVJ and TVJ SN, starting at 8.30pm, while Hitz92 FM will have live coverage, starting at 7.30 p.m.