O’Neil, Ward heavyweight clash should be a scorcher

Jan 27, 2010 Sports

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After a prolonged absence from the local ring, former Women’s World Boxing Association (WIBA) and Women’s World International Boxing Council (WIBC) light/heavyweight champion, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil steps in the ‘square jungle’ this Friday night in what is expected to be a fiercely contested grudge match against Sharon ‘The Spoiler’ Ward in a 6 rounds light/heavyweight scrap.

The two had spewed vitriol at each other at the pre-fight press conference and as fight night looms they have both promised to walk the walk as they have talked the talked.

Both fighters have recently benefited from overseas sojourns and each may feel that their newly acquired techniques would stand them in good stead for this bout.

O’Neil now resides in the USA and has promised to showcase her newly acquired techniques while Ward has retaliated by pointing to her just concluded sojourn in the Soviet Republic where she also has picked up a few valuable tips in the fight game.

During the pre-fight press conference O’Neil had presumptuously shoved her fist under Ward’s nose, a direct affront to the Lindener. To her credit, Ward had shrugged aside the offensive act promising to seek revenge in the ring.

The latter fighter is no slouch and in her last encounter against Margaret Blackman, had registered a come from behind win to demonstrate her high level of fitness. On the other hand, O’Neil has proved her worth as a champion especially in her fight against Kathy Rivers where she had lifted the WIBA crown. Her victory against Trinidadian, Crystal Lessy had earned her the WIBC belt and did much for her career.

It was not all smooth sailing for O’Neil who went on to suffer a double defeat to world beater, Laila Ali plus a controversial loss to Carolyn Ewell. As a matter of fact, she has not been active after the Ali loss and one cannot help but wonder whether she still nurtures the fire in her breast that had brought her world acclaim. Maybe, the one thing O’Neil has going for her is the self discipline that has kept her in the Park early in the morning and the gym late in the evening.

She would have to be wary of Ward’s determination. As demonstrated in the past, Ward has rebounded from slow starts to pummel her opponents in the latter stages of the bout, a trait that has seen her registering many come from behind victories.

Russia is not really a country known for its boxing prowess but Ward seems to believe that she has benefited immensely from her sojourn. The boxing public will be able to judge the weight of this belief come Friday night. One thing is certain whosoever comes out victorious would have to dig very deep to overcome the other.

The Mitchell Rogers/Anthony Augustin heavyweight encounter in the main supporting bout also promises much. Both principals are very strong and I would be very surprised if the bout lasts the entire 6 rounds.

Augustin is the less experienced of the two having fought once in the professional arena. He earned a draw in this bout against Clyde Williams, a fight many thought that he had won. He is thickset boxer that packs a wallop and Rogers would do well to exercise caution at close range.

Rogers, on the other hand, is also a vicious puncher. A compact fighter with an awesome physique, Rogers has not yet perfected the art of utilizing his power to full advantage.

This is the area that Augustin may be able to exploit. Notwithstanding this, Rogers has been able to compile 5 wins from 6 fights with his only loss being to Trinidadian, Kerston Manswell.

Both men work for beverage conglomerates- Augustin for Demerara Distillers Limited and Rogers for Banks DIH Ltd. They both have promised to defend the integrity of their respective work places. It is this boast that has made the fight interesting and highly anticipated.

Other interesting bouts include local junior/welterweight champion, Trinidadian based Iwan Azore against the little known Laurex Benn over six rounds.

Benn’s greatest claim to fame is a prolific amateur career where he represented this country at several international games.

He may need more that this tab to get past Azore whose astounding punching power had flattened Keith ‘Crusher’ Thomas in less than one round to take the local crown.

Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers and New York based Guyanese, Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry clash in a 4 rounds bantamweight affair may provide just the kind of action fans have been craving.

The ‘Coolie Bully’ has fought in Guyana a few times before and has inspired confidence in quite a few boxing buffs. Rogers is a tough contender and has earned the sobriquet ‘Pocket Rocket’ not by choice but by design.

Clive Atwell, now undergoing a training stint in Antigua and Barbuda will start things off when he opposes Charlton Skeete in a 4 rounds featherweight affair.

One cannot make a sound judgment on this bout since Atwell is now making his professional debut. His amateur acclaim where he represented Guyana at top profile games is all we have to go by. Nevertheless a keen contest is envisaged.

 

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