Fistic fury promised at “Foreign Invasion II”

Apr 30, 2009 Sports

Moore (3rd right) and Murray (left) put their signatures on the contract while Holland (2nd left) looks on. Others in photo are Cecil Smith (extreme right) and Scotland (second right).

By Michael Benjamin
The Linden community, starving for credible boxing cards, will finally have their appetites whetted when Holland’s Entertainment Promotions (HEP) stages 27 rounds of fistic fury slated for the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on Wednesday May 6.

Dubbed the ‘Foreign Invasion II,’ the card pits the skill of several of the country’s budding talent, and is headlined by world rater Leon Moore and Mark Murray in an eight-round catchweight affair. In the main supporting bout Debbie Tyson, fresh from a second round knockout victory over Lindener, Avlon Scotland on Sunday last, will match gloves with Sharon Warde in a catchweight fight over 4 rounds while Cecil Smith and Cassius Matthews will square off over 6 rounds in a lightweight contest.

The final bout will feature Trinidad-based Shawn Corbin against Troy Lewis in a six-round light heavyweight bout while Lindener, Fahaad ‘The Linden Giant’ Ali opposes ‘Big Bad’ Shawn Harris in a three-round exhibition match. Both fighters are expected to tip the scales well over 300 pounds.

Head of the HEP, Carwyn Holland, is Moore’s manager and has joined forces with Mike Altamura to manage his charge’s affairs. He had taken a prolonged hiatus from the boxing scene but said that after having a look at Moore he decided to give promotion another shot. “Leon gave me the inspiration I need to get back into the promotional business,” Holland revealed. He said that Moore is a disciplined fighter and has been very loyal during their short union. Holland also said that Moore was a talented fighter who had a far way to go provided he received the necessary breaks.
Holland also said that this bout may be the last for his fighter since he (Holland) has already organized an overseas sojourn, in the USA for him.

The promoter subsequently scoffed at statements uttered by local bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques that suggests that Moore is avoiding him. “We are more interested in fights that could propel us onto the world platform and can hardly afford to be distracted by Marques’ utterings,” Holland declared.
However, Moore was very outspoken and challenged Marques to a winner-take-all contest at a higher weight. “I am no longer a bantamweight, but if Marques wants a fight so badly, he can compromise and let’s get it on at 122 pounds,” Moore said.

Meanwhile, Tyson said that she is energized by the recent knockout victory over Scotland and is ready to replicate the performance against Warde. “I can hardly wait to face Warde, I know that I will come out the winner,” she emphatically stated. Cecil Smith is also singing the same tune for his bout against Matthews. He admitted that the Lindener is indeed a tough proposition but promised to teach him a lesson in the finer art of the sport. “I have always been a better amateur than Matthews and will prove that I am also a better professional fighter,” boasted Smith.

Corbin is scheduled to arrive in Guyana this Sunday and will open camp in the Mining Town. Holland has earned the reputation of top promoter after he had brought Kathy Rivers to Guyana to oppose Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil for the Woman’s International Boxing Association light/heavyweight title a few years ago. He also promoted the Pamela London/Martha Salazar bout at the Splashmin’s Resort. He has promised top class entertainment, the same that was witnessed in the aforementioned fights. Bell time is 20:00hrs and general admission is $500