WIBA champion threatens to abort training in wake of failed promises

Apr 19, 2010 Sports

Less than three weeks subsequent to her return bout with Corrine van Ryck DeGroot for Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight title, Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred is upset with head of McNeal Enterprises Promotion group, Odinga Lumumba, for his callous and unreasonable attitude towards her affairs.

Alfred complained that after signing the contract more than one month ago, she was promised an advance to facilitate her preparations for the bout. She said that despite her best efforts to procure the cash from Lumumba, he has been pushing her around.

Coach Sebert Blake (left) gives instruction as Alfred prepares to hit the hand pads during training sessions yesterday morning.

“I spoke with Mr. Lumumba on several occasions and I am just being given the royal run around,” explained Alfred.

The situation reached to a head recently when Alfred attempted to uplift the promised funds. She explained that several attempts to contact Lumumba failed and when she finally spoke with the promoter he assured her that she would have been able to uplift the training expenses soon. A frustrated Alfred said that the promoter failed to make good on his promise and the last thing she heard was that he was in Trinidad and Tobago. She is now frustrated and has threatened to break camp if the promised advance is not forthcoming.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool affirmed the agreement to pay out the advance. He also pointed out that Lumumba has since left the country on business. He further advised this reporter to seek an audience with Lumumba.

When contacted, Lumumba said that he had only returned to Guyana yesterday morning. He said that the issue should be clarified shortly.

Meanwhile, despite her problems, Alfred turned up at Forgotten Youth Foundation boxing gym yesterday morning and engaged in two hours of stiff training. The petite bantamweight sparred several blistering rounds with Joseph Murray shortly before striking the heavy bag and speed ball. She then engaged a prolonged skipping session before rounding off her sessions with rigorous calisthenics.

The WIBA queen said that she is focused on a victory and nothing will deter her from retaining her championship belt.