Latest update January 13th, 2025 3:10 AM
Latest News
- Oil deal requires Gov’t to formally write Exxon to request renegotiation- Dr. Adams
- Gov’t eyeing another US$1.5B loan from US-Exim Bank
- Israeli siege of north Gaza leaves 5,000 dead, missing after 100 days
- More traffic cops using bodycams after Hicken’s warning
- Second terminal for CJIA on govt’s 2025 agenda
Boxing Board to enact stringent tests before fights
The action between Shaundel Alfred (on ground) and Stephney George was furious as depicted in this photo, the referee having his hands full to separate the pair despite a slip to the canvas by eventual winner Alfred.
Following the detention of local middleweight champion, Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, on allegations of drug possession, the executive body of the Guyana Boxing Board Control (GBBC) are scheduled to discuss the issue of drug tests before fights.
Boxing buffs turned up at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Saturday evening last to enjoy a night of fistic fury but were disappointed in part following the shocking news that local middleweight champion, Howard Eastman, scheduled to match fists with Lennox Allen, was detained by the Police.
Reports are that the law officers stopped ‘The Battersea Bomber’ at a road block in Weldaad, Berbice, and allegedly discovered a quantity of cannabis sativa on his person. He was subsequently taken into custody.
Strenuous efforts by executive members of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) to negotiate Eastman’s release to facilitate the bout failed. Subsequently, GBBC officials attempted to ameliorate the situation and engaged Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes in discussions in relation to a substitute.
Kaieteur News was reliably informed that ‘The Lion’ agreed in principle and a purse was negotiated. However, later in the evening, moments before the start of the card, Gilkes decided to jack up the purse by a substantial amount. The promoters decided that the sum was too exorbitant and refused to negotiate further. In the end, the card went ahead without the proposed main bout.
Meanwhile, fans were forced to endure an emasculated card but enjoyed the action presented. The evening’s matches saw Shelly ‘The Boom’ Gibson avenging an earlier loss to Shaundel Parks by way of decision. Paul Lewis suffered a gaping wound over his eyes and decided to quit on his stool at the end of the third frame.
In what turned out to be the fight of the night, Shondell Alfred dished out a beating on Stephney ‘Razor’ George while Quincy Jones dispatched of Edmond Dickaloo in the second round.
Meantime, in light of the allegation leveled at Eastman, former Secretary of the GBBC, Trevor Arno disclosed that the debacle has raised new concerns over the medical pre-requisites before boxing matches. He said that while he believes that the medical criteria in place can withstand rigid scrutiny, the GBBC would definitely need to re-look at the issue of drug testing before bouts.
He said that this issue will be placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting and the executive would seek out the medical opinion of Board Doctor, Max Hanoman. He said that Eastman has been an important cog in the plan to resuscitate the sport and the GBBC would attempt to intervene on his behalf to have the situation ameliorated.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Social media reporting is a double-edged sword
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Social media has undoubtedly changed how we share and receive information. It has made... more
Clarifying misconceptions about the Panama Canal
Sir Ronald Sanders (Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS) By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News–... more
Weekend Cartoon
