Earlier on the programme, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil had breezed her way to a decisive points decision over Veronica Blackman, lifting her third world title, but this time in the heavyweight division, in a fight that was merely a sparring session for the former International World Boxing Association (WIBA) and International World Boxing Council (IWBC) light/heavyweight champion. Last Saturday’s victory earned ‘The Stealth Bomber’ the WIBA heavyweight belt.

American world rater Hector ‘Machito’ Comacho (Jr) broke the sequence for the Guyanese when he notched up a lopsided decision over Denny Dalton who was anything but ‘Deadly’ while Elton Dharry proved that he was indeed a ‘Coolie Bully’ when he literally bulldozed Orlan Rogers who, try as he might, was unable to launch his ‘Pocket Rockets.’

DeGroot started the proceedings dancing smoothly while intermittently landing a left jab and a long straight right. Alfred pursued the American and unleashed several combinations that momentarily stunned DeGroot, who nevertheless, managed to dance her way out of trouble.

Fighting out of a southpaw stance, DeGroot started the second stanza flicking her jab into Alfred’s face even as the latter fighter advanced purposefully. Alfred eventually caught up with DeGroot and unleashed a vicious left hook that landed simultaneously with the sound of the bell.

The action slowed down somewhat at the start of the third round but in between the inactivity ‘The Mystery Lady’ landed a left hook to DeGroot’s jaw that spun her to a one hundred and eighty degrees angle. The American recovered enough to deliver a few punches of her own and the large crowd settled for the imminent battle.

Both boxers commenced the fourth frame searching for the advantage. DeGroot continued boxing around while Alfred purposely pursued her, searching for the opening. Suddenly, Alfred shuffled in close and unleashed a thunderous blow that connected to DeGroot’s temple and she fell to the canvass in a crumpled heap. The punch was lightening quick and few saw it. Alfred sprinted to the neutral corner, awaiting the resumption to finish off her nemesis. It turned out that the referee could have counted from nine to ninety-nine it would have made no difference. DeGroot attempted to rise but her legs refused to obey her commands, allowing referee Andrew Thorne to complete a full 10 count that transformed the spectators into a jubilant mood and Alfred into throes of ecstasy. The doctors attended to DeGroot who quickly disappeared into her dressing room.

Dalton’s claim of being a ‘Dangerous’ customer was unveiled as a fake by a slick Camacho who himself seems way past his prime. Dalton plodded behind the stocky American but failed to put up an adequate offensive. Camacho took absolutely no chances as he was prepared to do just enough to win the fight.

Dalton, for his part failed to uncover Camacho’s Achilles heel and lost every round except the fifth where one of the judges awarded him that stanza by a 10-8 margin. He followed up that round with another decisive display and scored the majority points on all three of the scorecards but that was the sum total of his efforts.

Dalton’s inability to evaluate the situation on the ground was glaringly uncovered when on several occasions after delivering some strong salvoes and hurting Camacho he inexplicably backed off allowing the American world rater to reassert himself.

Dalton was again presented with an opportunity to close off Camacho, this time in round 8 when he backed him up to the ropes. It was evident that Camacho was extremely tired and biding time for the final bell. Dalton managed to work him over in one of the neutral corners but once again, inexplicably, backed off giving Camacho time to recuperate. At the end of the tenth round, Camacho breathed a sigh of relief while Dalton jumped on the ropes pumping his fists into the air—a sign of victory. The three judges Lionel B Sullivan, Trevor Arno and Ryan Wissow burst his bubble, each with scores of 98-91 all in Camacho’s favour.

Dharry peppered Rogers’ face with stinging jabs and right crosses and in the end won the bout. For all his pre-fight boasts Rogers failed to back his talks and was transformed into a human punching bag for most of the bout. His attempts to launch his ‘Pocket Rockets’ failed dismally as Dharry kept him at bay with long jabs and accurate right crosses. In round five Dharry connected with a left hook to Rogers’ temple and the dumpy fighter from Berbice found refuge on the canvass. He rose before the mandatory eight count but Dharry unleashed several combinations for which he had no answer.

By the beginning of the tenth stanza, Rogers’ face was swollen and decorated with welts and bruises, compliments of some accurate punching by Dharry. When the final bell rang, both boxers found renewed energy and continued slugging away at each other while the referee attempted to pry them apart. The good news was that they were the best punches thrown by Rogers for the entire fight. The bad news was that they were illegitimate blows that failed to attract any points.

President Bharrat Jagdeo along with several Government officials including Adviser to the President on Empowerment, Odinga Lumumba, Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Bheri Ramsarran, and Dr. Jennifer Westford, among others were entertained at the function.

Mayor Hamilton Green was also a part of the audience and so too were many notable sportsmen/women the likes of local squash queen, Nicholette Fernandes, former boxing world raters, Terrence Alli, Wayne Harris and Kenny Bristol among others. Head of BrisO Promotions, Seon Bristol, organized the card.