 Rego with Teresa Perozzi IslandStats.com
Bermuda Boxing Federation President Nathan Dill said: “It is with deep sadness that The Bermuda Boxing Federation Executive and the boxing community have learned of the untimely passing of Mr. Allan “Forty” Rego.
“Mr. Rego, the elder statesman of our organization, was synonymous with boxing in Bermuda and was a pillar in the community. For years, he would train youth out of his home gym at no cost and could be found at each and every boxing event.
“He was a wealth of knowledge, loved and feared but undeniably respected. His one whisper was equal to a hundred shouts, as whatever Mr. Rego said or suggested became the gospel of what was to be or what should be.
“Mr. Rego was a skilled tactician having trained many top boxers including Troy Darrell and Teresa Perozzi. Most recently, young athletes Nikki Bascome, Andre Lambe, and Tyler Christopher found a home at 40 Rego’s Gym.
“Mr. Rego and his coaches were supporting the latter two elite boxers to follow a path walked by few athletes, in aspiring towards Olympic representation for our small island. His passing marks a hurdle to that preparation, with his team already feeling his physical absence. The island has truly lost one of its sports heroes.
“Mr. Rego made an impact wherever he went and on whoever he met. The Bermuda Boxing Federation executive are pleased to have made it a point to honor Mr. Rego whilst accolades were able to be given.
“In February 2017, we recognized Mr. Rego with a Long Service Award, which we were told that despite being involved in boxing for half century, was the first such award given to him from the local boxing governing body.
“Mr. Rego and his family were greatly pleased to have received that honor and the Bermuda Boxing Federation look forward to keeping his legacy alive and working toward the continued growth of the sport that he loved.
“Our February 17th event “The Next Greatest” will now take a new meaning in being the first event held which will not have his strong presence, coincidently being held a year following his well-deserved honor. We encourage the community to come out as we pay tribute and support the life work of Allan “40″ Rego.”
Professional Boxing Referee Steve Smoger said, “It was my pleasure to know and work with Rego. I truly liked and admired him. He was an old school boxing coach who always had the best interests of his fighters at heart. He expected his fighters to train hard and fight hard – no excuses.
“I always looked forward to seeing him on my ‘fight trips’ to beautiful Bermuda. When he saw me, he would say ‘Hey Smoger, how are you? Welcome back to Bermuda!”
“He always treated me with dignity and respect. He was genuinely happy for me when I was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. To me, the passing of Rego ends an era of boxing in Bermuda. May he Rest in Peace.”
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