Moses/Ward catchweight fight is headliner; Gilkes to face King in rematch

Aug 20, 2010 Sports

---

The seventh edition of the monthly ProAm boxing extravaganza is scheduled to get underway on Friday August 27 next and fans visiting the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) for the live action are asked to be there early so as not to miss the catchweight encounter between Mandessa Moses and Sharon Ward.
Anyone that has seen Ward in action would have no doubts of her ability in the ‘square jungle.’ The stocky built Lindener is known for her patience and her attacking proclivities. When she last fought Pauline London the latter fighter was brimming with confidence after chalking up back to back victories over Shelly ‘The Boom’ Gibson.
Despite enjoying the weight advantage, London was outwitted and bullied on her way to dropping a lopsided unanimous verdict. One thing is for certain; Ward packs a punch and has the advantage in experience over her opponent. Maybe these traits may be the factor that swings the advantage and maybe the pundits’ support in her favour.
This may be so but one needs to examine Moses’ record before hastily arriving at a definitive conclusion. She suffered a loss in her first fight in Trinidad and Tobago but has recovered sufficiently to chalk up three wins on the trot and a 3-1 record. The last time Moses entered the ring she had virtually out-boxed the more experienced Margaret ‘Chico’ Walcott in a catchweight shindig. Before that she had had two thrilling fights in the professional arena, defeating Kwinda Rogers in the inaugural ProAm boxing card in Berbice plus a devastating victory over Ali Marques, who she virtually decimated on her way to a knockout.
Her last opponent, ‘Chico’ Walcott had had quite a few battles against the likes of Gwendolyn ‘O’Neil and Sharon Ward but Moses remained unfazed on her way to winning a lopsided verdict.
Moses is slimly built but her small physique has proven to be deceptive as Marques and Rogers were to discover. When Kaieteur Sport visited the Andrew ‘Sixheads’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Albouystown on Wednesday afternoon last, Moses was going through her drills under the watchful eyes of Lennox ‘Cappell’ Daniels.
She looked focused during shadow boxing sessions and later on turned her devastating fury to the heavy bag. This is an ominous warning for Ward. If Ward is at her best form one could only speculate of the outcome of this bout. One thing is certain though, is that this would be an action packed and bruising encounter. The pundits may do well to thoroughly examine the pros and cons before casting their wagers.
Whether he wins or loses, Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes has always been a crowd pleaser. His record belies his sobriquet as he has been easily tamed on numerous occasions. However, whenever ‘The Lion’ emits that fearful roar, his opponents know for sure he is coming to claim the title of ‘King of the Jungle.’ In the third edition of the ProAm card ‘The Lion’ had attacked with venom and eventually out-lasted Theophilus King. The latter fighter had cried foul while demanding a rematch.
The organisers of the ProAm affair have decided to call King’s bluff and the two are scheduled to face off this month end to settle the issue once and for all. This should be a good bout as Gilkes attempts to establish his dominance while King will want to avenge the loss.
Errol Trotman is an experienced pugilist but it has been sometime since he has donned gloves. He will oppose Mark Austin in a junior/welterweight showdown. Austin is relatively new in the professional arena but has proven that he is no slouch. His first two bouts were against more experienced fighters than himself. Cecil Smith was the first to feel his hands and meekly surrendered a unanimous verdict. He next bulldozed the more experienced Shawn Pyle on his way to a one sided majority decision.
Despite his lengthy hiatus from the ring, Trotman could be dangerous. In his last fight against Linden Author he had unleashed a two fisted assault on his opponent but dwindled at the latter stages of the bout to eventually surrender the close encounter.
Austin is a different kettle of fish and Trotman would feel that he may have the advantage in experience. However, what Austin lacks in experience he makes up in determination.
This is the trait that could distinguish between the two pugilists.
The last time Rudolph Fraser entered the ring he was bullied by a stronger, more determined Troy Lewis and was counted out inside of two minutes of the first stanza. He has since conformed to a mandatory rest from the sport and is now ready to battle once again. His opponent is Dexter Marques, a classy bantamweight whose only loss came at the hands of Leon Moore.
Since then he has managed to redeem himself with a victory over Paul Lewis. Still on the redemption trail, Marques would want to prove that despite his loss to Moore he is still a top notch boxer.
Fraser, also on the redemption trail, would be hungry for a win since he has great plans to reinstate himself as a force to be reckoned with. During the signing ceremony a few weeks ago, both fighters had steered clear of predictions but one could have sensed the vengeance oozing out of their respective personages.
If this attitude is transformed to the ring boxing buffs could be assured of another good fight and by extension a captivating experience as the Guyana Boxing board of Control presents the seventh edition of the ProAm boxing card.
Boxing buffs desirous of witnessing live action can do so by visiting the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Otherwise, those unable to witness the live action may tune in to NCN 11 to catch the action as it unfolds. Bell time is 20:00hrs.

Guyana Association of Scrabble Players novices’ championships on tomorrow

The highly anticipated junior scrabble tournament organised by the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) will get underway tomorrow morning and the executives of that organisation are anticipating a large turnout.
The tournament follows the aborted inter-schools championships earlier this year and is open to players between the ages of 11-18. Activities take place in the pavilion of the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground, Thomas lands and competitors would be vying for more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.
The tournament will consist of 4 rounds with each round lasting approximately one hour with a half hour break after the completion of the first 2 rounds. President of the GASP, Mr. Gafoor is urging perspective participants to conform to the registration requirements before the expiry of the deadline this afternoon.
This tournament is an integral part of the GASP pilot project to introduce the sport into schools while enlightening youths about the intricacies of the sport. The organisers have disclosed that only the first 30 players would be allowed to play in the tournament and to date about fifteen of this number have registered.
Mr. Gafoor also intimated that most of the perspective players would be drawn from the interactive sessions conducted by GASP earlier this year.
Among some of the participants at that forum are Clive Bender, Rasulata StLouis, Wayne Vieira, Shanica Bourne, Sophia Hallim, Ricaldo Purnwasy, Carlton Bascom, Christy Day, Darnel Barker, Eketa Edwards, Sabrina Ragbeer, Santa Sasenarine, Nelisha Ramkissoon, Shawanand Anade, Rodney Chu, Akil Johnson, Matthew Gaul, Shawn Thomas, Akeem Thomas, Elizabeth Ojha, Sarah Ojah, Omari Dunn, Chelsea Weeks, Khadi Lashley, Randy Ramnarain and Christine Waddle.
These players had all demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm during the interactive sessions and would be more than happy to test their skill at an active tournament.
Meanwhile, participants are asked to walk with their school badges as a part of the entrance criteria and only the first 30 registrants will be allowed to play in the tournament which gets underway at 09:30hrs.
The registration process has already begun and interested persons may call telephone numbers 600-2870, 621-8176, or 623-9568 to be a part of the competition.
The President is also grateful for the corporate help received so far and wishes to convey his gratitude to the management of the Oasis Café and Abdool and Abdool Insurance.

---

---