A Final Tribute for Junior
Middleweight Champion Giselle Salandy
January 8, 2009
(JAN 8)
On Sunday morning shortly before 7:00 a.m.,
female multi-world Champion, Giselle Salandy, of Trinidad and Tobago,
was involved in a fatality when she had a vehicular accident, crashing
into a concrete pillar on Beetham Highway, located on the outskirts of
Port of Spain. [Special Tribute
Slideshow]
Salandy, just 21 years old, just two weeks short
of turning 22, was rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where
she died of massive head and internal injuries at 8:29 a.m. Salandy also
had a passenger, National footballer Tamar Watson, in the front seat at
the time of the accident. There is speculation at this time that Salandy
may have fallen asleep at the wheel, and police are saying that alcohol
was not involved.
Salandy had just fought on December 26, 2008, at the Jean Pierre
Complex, successfully defending three of her junior middleweight world
titles [WBC, WIBA, and WBA] against Yahaira Hernandez of the Dominican
Republic, where she won the bout by points.
Salandy made history twice in women’s boxing, by first becoming the
youngest world champion at age 14, and then fighting for six world title
belts in a unified championship bout, in 2006.
Salandy was not only a champion inside the ring, but also outside the
ring. She would give presentations to youths in her country, and
perform other public service tasks to represent her country in a
positive light.
Salandy said in one presentation to a group of young girls in August of
2006: “I came here today to speak to you all on how things can get
better for you and that there is always hope no matter what. As a young
girl growing up, I lost my mother; she died of a heart attack. I had to
fend for myself at age 11. It was very possible for me to end up in an
institution like this, but by the grace of the almighty father he
pointed me in the direction of a gym where I began boxing, and I was
able to pull through. I am pleading with you, as a young woman to you
young women, get involved in sport, it helps boost your self-esteem and
confidence—it also gives you discipline. However it helps to be
successful if you have your academics attached, so stay focused on it.”
WBAN [Women Boxing Archive Network] recognized Salandy’s efforts 2006,
when she was awarded the "Top History Making Fighter of the Year for
2006". That same year, Salandy was also awarded the First Citizens
Sportswoman of the year 2006.
Her funeral service was held yesterday at 11 a.m., at the St Benedict's
Roman Catholic Church, La Romaine, and she was buried at the Siparia
Cemetery.
Salandy was driving west into the Port of Spain, when she crashed into a
concrete pillar. Salandy also had a passenger, National footballer Tamar
Watson, in the front seat at the time of the accident. There is
speculation at this time that Salandy may have fallen asleep at the
wheel, and police are saying that alcohol was not involved.
Salandy had just fought on December 26, 2008, at the Jean Pierre
Complex, successfully defending three of her junior middleweight world
titles [WBC, WIBA, and WBA] against Yahaira Hernandez of the Dominican
Republic, where she won the bout by points.
Video
of her last fight
Salandy made history twice in women’s boxing, by first becoming the
youngest world champion at age 14, and then fighting for six world title
belts in a unified championship bout, in 2006.
Salandy was not only a champion inside the ring, but also outside of the
ring when she advocated to young girls the values of working hard, not
giving up hope, no matter how dire their circumstances may be.
Salandy said in one presentation to a group of young girls in 2006 the
following: “I came here today to speak to you all on how things can get
better for you and that there is always hope no matter what. As a young
girl growing up, I lost my mother; she died of a heart attack. I had to
fend for myself at age 11. It was very possible for me to end up in an
institution like this, but by the grace of the almighty father he
pointed me in the direction of a gym where I began boxing, and I was
able to pull through. I am pleading with you, as a young woman to you
young women, get involved in sport, it helps boost your self-esteem and
confidence—it also gives you discipline. However it helps to be
successful if you have your academics attached, so stay focused on it.”
WBAN recognized Salandy’s efforts in the WBAN Yearly 2006 Awards, when
she was awarded the WBAN Top History Making Fighter of the Year. That
same year, Salandy was also awarded the First Citizens Sportswoman of
the year 2006.
On March 29, 2008, at the Centre of Excellence, Salandy again made
boxing history when she fought for eight world title belts. She defeated
Karolina Lukasik of Germany in that unification bout.
Her funeral service was held today at 11 a.m., at the St Benedict's
Roman Catholic Church, La Romaine, and she was buried at the Siparia
Cemetery.
Condolences sent into WBAN from the Boxing Community:
“The loss of Giselle Salandy is a tragedy. She was young, an
accomplished female athlete, and a hero in her community. My condolences
to her family, friends, and the T&T community. As a whole, she will be
missed.” Dakota Stone
“I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the untimely demise
of Giselle Salandy. Considering the path she took to triumph over
adversity she will be sorely missed. She was one of the boxers that
would have made the middleweight division very interesting as a possible
opponent for Holly Holm, Mary Jo Sanders and even Laila Ali. My sincere
condolences go to her family and friends at this difficult time. She
must be given a fitting tribute by putting Trinidad & Tobago on the
sporting map.” Andrew Stanley-Coker - Kabul, Afghanistan.
“I just wanted to say that this is such a tragedy not only for
Giselle, but for her family, the country of Trinidad, and for women's
boxing. Giselle was so young and quiet possibly could have been an asset
to the progression of the sport for a long time. Our sympathies and
prayers to her fans, supporters, and family. May her achievements be an
encouragement to other women boxers from her country. “ Terri Moss -
Decatur Boxing Club
“On behalf of Fine Line Fight Club and myself, Ria Ramnarine, I
sincerely extend deep sympathy and condolences to the family, friends
and fans of Giselle. She will rest in peace, we just have to let her go
peacefully...... She lived a full life and achieved much. Let us
celebrate her life and be thankful for the time that she was here with
us. Rest in peace Giz, the final bell rang.“ Ria Ramnarine
“Words are hard to find in moments like this. As we can only wonder
about each of our destiny and why. My respect and prayers to Ms. Salandy
family and the one's in her life. May she be remembered as a Champion.”
Retired Champion - Bonnie Canino
“I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of
Giselle Salandy. The boxing community is very small and its hard to see
one of ours have to leave in such a tragic way. Even though boxing is
the sport we participate in we all share a mutual respect for each other
and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and
family.” Nicole Woods
“It's a devastating loss to professional female boxing. As I stated
to Mr. Ryan Wissow, President of the sanctioning body WIBA & Mr. Seon
Bristol, Representative of WIBC, we can't ask why this happened, who are
we to question the steps of what God has planned in the way death shall
occur, so therefore, we should accept it, don't forget her, and move
forward putting our best foot forward in representing not only the WIBA
but all sanctioning bodies. So therefore in my next upcoming bout to
defend WIBA / WIBC and box for the WBA & UBC Light Heavy Weight Titles,
my team & I will train hard as usual and dedicate the bout to Giselle. I
didn't get an opportunity to meet Giselle but after receiving the news
of the death I just collapsed and cried. I felt a loss being I'm a Boxer
as well as a Champion also, especially sharing the WIBA sanctioning
body. No one should forget Giselle, just put your all into training and
preparations for each bout scheduled and fight hard as Giselle did to
acquire all she accomplished in life until this fatal accident. My words
may not be perfectly stated but is given from my heart. May God Rest
Giselle Salandy soul in peace, for now and ever more, AMEN.”
Respectfully Submitted, Carlette "The Truth" Ewell
“I had the privilege of meeting and seeing Giselle Salandy box twice
in Trinidad. She was an amazing fighter and the consummate professional.
She was modest and never in awe of herself. We were fortunate to bring
her fights to US TV on AROTO. Her legacy will live on but she will never
be replaced. This is a terrible tragedy and we can only wish her family
the strength to go on and our condolences.” Arnie "Tokyo" Rosenthal
and Ken Weiss
“This is truly a tragic event. Although I never knew her I was struck
with sadness for her and her family and friends. I can only imagine
their heartache and sorrow. May she rest in peace.” Allan Garside
“Marianne (Marston) and I had the pleasure of meeting Giselle in
London a while back. Marianne had just started boxing and Giselle took
the time to advise and encourage Marianne including being in her corner
for a sparring match. Giselle will be sorely missed as she was not only
a great champion but also a great ambassador for the sport.”
Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
"Dear
Salandy Family, It is with great sadness that I offer you my heartfelt
sympathy on the death of Giselle Salandy. My heart was truly saddened
when I heard about her sudden passing. She was more than a wonderful
person; she was a terrific athlete who positively impacted the boxing
industry, and in turn, my life. I was privileged to have competed with
Giselle in a boxing match – one in which we both performed at our
highest level. She was an incredible asset to the industry and to the
world. Words seem to be inadequate to express the sadness I feel.
Although no words can really help ease the loss you bear, please know
that you are very close in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace
which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the
days ahead, and may the comfort of God help you during this difficult
time. Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of
Giselle. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you." With deepest
sympathy, -Mariem Brakache and Team
“The company Boxing Maco Promociones 417 C.A., on behalf of its
chairman Orangel "Memin" Ramos. Who resides in Caracas-Venezuela, joins
the mourning the tragic death of the great Women's World Champion AMB,
CMB Giselle Salandy. We extend our condolences to their families and
friends of the boxing world. God of peace to his remains to this great
world champion who always be in our hearts.” Memin
