Pro/Am boxing cards set for grand start

Feb 10, 2010 Sports

– force former champions out of retirement

As February 28, the day for the inaugural boxing card arranged by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, draws nigh, several past boxing stars have signaled an intention to dust off their trunks and boots to be a part of the action.

Reports are that former Fecarbox Featherweight champion Joseph Murray and top junior/welterweight contender, Marcelle Daniels have indicated their readiness to re-enter the ring following the decision of executives of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) to stage the month end activity. Former featherweight boxing contender, Vincent Howard has also indicated an interest in the arrangement.

However, these pugilists would have to wait a little longer for their grand come back since GBBC officials have already identified the boxers competing in the inaugural card this month end.

Trevor Arno

In the first bout, Shelly ‘The Boom’ Gibson will attempt to avenge an earlier loss to Pauline London while Dexter Marques opposes Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers. Rudolph Fraser fights Troy Lewis while Edmond DeCleau would be out to prove that his recent victory against Quacy ‘Mommy Nice Boy’ Jones was no fluke. All fights are slated for four rounds.

Meanwhile, Howard who may be nurturing hopes of avenging his three losses to Hugo Lewis may have to turn his attention elsewhere since Lewis has bluntly stated that he was not interested in being a part of the Pro/Am arrangement. He cited the meager purses saying that he is not willing to enter the ring for such a paltry sum.

GBBC executive, Trevor Arno responded to Lewis’ concerns but said that the objective of the cards is to provide a launching pad for local pugilists even as they entertain those from the amateur sector. Arno further pointed out that the fifty thousand dollars ceiling established by his organization does not preclude participants from getting more for their services.

However, he said that any sum above that offered by the Board would have to come from other sources. Arno explained that some businesspersons or other interested parties might wish to see two particular pugilists fight each other. He said that these businesspersons can bolster the boxers’ purses if they so desire. “But the Board can only pay fifty thousand,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Board officials have already planned an itinerary that encompasses activities for the next three months. They are currently perusing a list of boxers that has indicated their availability for the programme. Arno said that the boxers are excited by the prospect of fighting frequently. He explained that they have already gone into training in an attempt to whip their bodies into an acceptable shape.

Arno said that Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes has also indicated an interest in participating in the programme. Known for his rough and tumble style, Gilkes has said that he wishes to fight Mitchell Rogers.

The two had faced off about two years ago for the local light/heavyweight belt and Rogers had prevailed when the referee had halted the contest in latter stages of the bout. Gilkes has promised to reverse his fortunes should the two meet on the Pro/Am boxing card.

Meanwhile, Arno said that several other fighters have submitted their names for consideration on the card. Among them are several women boxers including Mandetta Moses, Kwinda Rogers of Linden, Debbie Tyson, Ali Marques, Pauline London, Sharon Warde and Shelly ‘The Boom’ Gibson among others.

The other male boxers that have indicated their willingness to participate are Paul Lewis (snr), Iwan Azore, Cecil Smith, Mark Murray, Hewley Robertson, Laurex Benn, Winston Pompey and Shawn Carter. Arno said that the organizers are now putting the modalities in place to ensure the continuity of the cards. He said that his executives are awaiting the list of amateur boxers scheduled for the inaugural cards.

The Pro/Am boxing card is the brainchild of GBBC President, Peter Abdool where boxers from both sectors would display their skill.

The fights would be televised live due to an arrangement brokered between the organizers and management of the National Communications Network (NCN). Admission to the venue is $500.

(Michael Benjamin )