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It’s judgement night for Lewis and Eastman
Andrew Sixhead Lewis and Howard Eastman face off during yesterdays media briefing.
By Michael Benjamin
The time for bragging and boasting is past and tonight Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and Howard ‘The Battersea Bomber’ Eastman will be required to transfer the words from their mouths into punches or face the wrath of boxing buffs who are expected to troop to the National Stadium, Providence to witness the highly anticipated fiery affair.
The two will face each other in a twelve round scrap for the National Middleweight title of Guyana. This belt is not as prestigious as the World Boxing Council welterweight belt once worn by Lewis nor the European Middleweight belt that was once strapped around Eastman’s waist, but the fact that both fighters are using this bout as a launching pad back to the international arena is enough to cause them both to dig deep and produce results.
The two fighters were uncharacteristically cagey when the media attempted to solicit their views at a press conference held at the Main Street Plaza yesterday morning.
Both fighters displayed mutual respect for each other when pressed for a prediction. However, they are both adamant that winning the fight is an extremely important catalyst to their reinstatement in the international arena.
With their sights set on the lucrative rewards of international stardom and the honour and glory attributed to being a part of the international mix, both fighters are singing the same tune ‘I will win.’
The press conference started on a somber note with Lumumba expressing profound condolences to the family and friends of Akila Jacobs, the journalist who perished in an accident in Linden, last week.
Lumumba then pointed out that the fact that McNeal Enterprise had been able to arrange a bout between two world-renowned Guyanese, the caliber of Lewis and Eastman, signaled an important day in the sporting history of Guyana. He pointed out that Guyana has a rich history of boxing, an achievement that every Guyanese ought to be proud of.
Paying homage to local boxing stalwarts, Lumumba singled out Patrick Forde mentioning his two epic world title fights against Salvadore ‘Baby Face Assassin’ Sanchez and Eusibio Pedroza.
Lumumba also drew attention to the phenomenon where there are more formidable boxing stalwarts of Indian descent in Guyana than can be found in India.
The local promoter lauded Eastman for his international accomplishments and pointed out that the young fighter ought to have been a world champion were it not for the two unfortunate losses to William Joppy and Bernard Hopkins.
Meanwhile, Rawle Frank arrived in Guyana last Friday to keep his ring date with Winston Pompey and looked in great shape for the bout.
Having fought more formidable foes than Pompey, Frank is confident, but certainly not complacent, leading up to tonight’s fight.
He has had two memorable bouts with Vernon Forest and despite losing has benefited immensely from the experience.
“I take every fight seriously, that is why I am ranked in the world,” he said when quizzed about his approach to the Pompey battle.
Frank was scheduled to fight Denny Dalton on the previous boxing card dubbed ‘Judgment Day’ but pulled out at the last minute. He said that he had injured himself while preparing for that fight and had received a medical reprieve from the doctor.
He said that he is fully recuperated and ready to fight. As he was speaking Frank looked searchingly around and questioned Pompey’s absence. “Come out from your hole and motivate me.” Frank chided.
Pompey arrived several minutes afterwards saying that his early morning workout had been taxing and he needed some more time to relax.
He said that he is not impressed by Frank’s international accolades because when the bell rings that is when Frank will have to prove himself.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool lauded Lumumba for once again delivering the goods. He said that the card is a very good one because local boxers would have the opportunity to showcase their talent.
Abdool pointed out that the bout between Lewis and Eastman has caught the imagination of the betting boys in Las Vegas and already the debate is on over who will win. “This is a classic card and I urge all Guyanese to come out and support the promoter,” Abdool concluded.
Several other bouts comprise the card. Veronica Blackman will oppose Sharon Warde over 6 rounds, Cecil Smith is up against Leon Moore and United States based Guyanese Elton Dharry will battle Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers over 6 rounds. Bell time is 20:00hrs.
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