There are obvious rough edges which need to be smoothed out – not least in defence – and also impetuosity which needs to be curbed.

However, there can be no denying that Mr Michael ‘Wasp’ Gardner, the 22-year-old welterweight boxer, who stylishly defeated the more experienced Mr Ramel ‘Sub Zero’ Lewis on Wednesday night in the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Contender Boxing Series is very talented.

Again, as we did in the case of the talented middleweight Mr Kemahl Russell in 2015, this newspaper commends sponsors and organisers of the Contender Series for encouraging and exposing young boxing talent.

There can be no doubt that the Contender Series has been a big boost for Jamaican boxing.

However, as has been said in this space previously, this newspaper believes there needs to be more rigour and caution in the approach to choosing boxers for competition. Too often there have been cases of competitors entering the ring in the Contender Series who are obviously not at the required level of competence.

The physical fitness of boxers should also be a primary concern for organisers. We note a recent case in which a boxer was said to have lost in excess of 20 pounds in just a few days in order to make the required weight. That sounds to this newspaper like a ‘no, no’.

The point needs to be made that for all its attractiveness as a sport, boxing is dangerous. All reasonable effort should be made to ensure safety.

Also, while we recognise the right of event organisers to exercise license in promotional campaigns, we think that reference to some of the boxers coming out of the United States as being part of Team USA is taking a joke too far.

Good Luck to all at tonight’s JII meet

We are happy that for all the budgetary constraints, the Jamaican Government has found it possible to pump US$300,000 into the staging of tonight’s Jamaica International Invitational meet.

Down the years, the meet has become an important annual event for which Jamaicans are justifiably proud.

Of course, for the new Government — focused as it is on finding ways to grow the economy — the sponsorship equates to enlightened self-interest. As Sports Minister Ms Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange put it: “The mantra of this new Administration is growth, growth, and more growth, and world-class hospitality service through sports is one of the ways this country can experience real economic growth.”

For many of the athletes, local and overseas, tonight’s competition represents important early-season preparation for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August. For those who are most focused on Rio, winning tonight won’t be most important. For them, building rhythm and competitive edge while staying strong and healthy will be of far greater value.

We wish them all the very best.