The Bermuda International Boxing Association (BIBA) have vowed to go ahead with plans to stage Saturday’s boxing card at the BAA Gymnasium.

Concerns were raised this week that the event, dubbed ‘The Homecoming’, would fall through the cracks after the Bermuda Boxing Federation (BBF) reportedly threatened to punish the boxers taking part in the 12-bout card, which has not been sanctioned by them.

Debra Smith, the BBF secretary, is alleged to have warned the boxers on a local radio talk show not to participate or risk losing the privilege to represent Bermuda at International Boxing Association (IBA) sanctioned events.

“She said it on the radio,” Joanne Rego, the BIBA secretary, claimed. “She said what we are doing is not right and that we do not care about the young people because we are going to spoil their chances of participating in IBA events other than professional.

“She also said that all fights in Bermuda have to be sanctioned by the BBF.

“It seems like she has waited until the last minute to sabotage the event. But we are having the fight. The fight will go on and hopefully we can get it all sorted out.”

Smith could not be reached for comment yesterday.

As it stands, the BBF are the only local boxing association officially recognised by the IBA.

Rego said attempts by her Association to also be recognised by IBA have been unsuccessful so far.

The BIBA was formed in late 2012 and held its first AGM last summer to elect an executive which also includes Leroy Maxwell, the president, Nathan Dill, the vice-president, treasurer Troy Burrows, Carmyn Waldorf, the executive secretary and public relations officer, and executive members Leon Raynor and Allan “Forty” Rego.

The BIBA’s mandate is to promote several bouts annually, featuring local and overseas fighters, and encourage positive lifestyles among Bermuda’s young men.

The fledgling Association’s first card at BAA Gymnasium is to be headlined by the superheavyweight masters bout pitting Leo Richardson, of Controversy Gym, against Chioke Tucker, of Forty ego’s Gym.

Richardson has earned a reputation for conquering heavier opponents, but could find his work cut out against Tucker, who has broadened his horizons in Britain, where he sparred with European champions.

The bout will be Tucker’s last as an amateur before he steps up to the professional ranks.

Another mouth-watering superheavyweight clash will feature Stefan Dill, of Police Gym, against Archie Tucker, of Controversy Gym.

Local boxing greats Clarence Hill, Troy Darrell and Quinn Paynter will be among those acknowledged for their past achievements in the sport at the upcoming event.