Latest update November 5th, 2024 1:00 AM
Action packed bouts envisaged as Boxers intensify preparation
Gilkes sneaks a straight left through the guards of Augustin during sparring sessions yesterday.
Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes slammed home a vicious right hook that sneaked past the highly held guards of Anthony Augustin. The punch appeared to unsettle Augustin but he took it like a man and retaliated with a cruncher of his own. That punch must have been powerful because Gilkes chose to get on his bicycle, dancing out of range of the stocky Augustin.
This was a part of the action at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) Albouystown as Augustin procured valuable glove work in preparation for his heavyweight bout against Kurt Bess on this year’s inaugural edition of the ProAm boxing card on January 28 next.
The two fighters were engaged in glove work under the watchful eyes of Augustin’s coach, Lennox ‘Cappel’ Daniels. The popular coach said that yesterday’s sessions were the first of what will be a tough period of sparring for Augustin. Daniels noted that Augustin’s opponent, Bess appears to have reached top form judging from his humiliation of heavyweight champion Mitchell Rogers late last year. He promised to take his charge through the mill in order to attain top form. “We are not taking any chances,” proclaimed Daniels.
The sparring sessions were indeed a joy to behold. Known for his aggressive approach in the ring, Gilkes appeared somewhat cautious as he bounced around, attempting to secure the upper hand over Augustin. The latter fighter lumbered behind the former unleashing an occasional salvo that distinguished his punching ability. This was the pattern for the duration of the four rounds of action.
Indeed, if the demonstration of guts displayed by Augustin is anything to go by, boxing buffs can be assured of a keen contest when he faces Bess. A little later in the afternoon Bess arrived and commenced his sessions under the tutelage of George ‘Kanchi’ Oprecht. The veteran coach admitted that adequate sparring has once again proven to be the bugbear of his charge. However, he assured that he is in discussion with a few capable pugilists and expects to start glove work by weekend. In the meantime the veteran coach pushed Bess to the limit on the punching bag shortly before a three rounds session on the speed bag. Some tactical work supported by a hectic session of skipping and about thirty minutes of calisthenics culminated Bess’ sessions. “We are taking this one,” Oprecht responded when asked of Bess’ chances in the bout. Notwithstanding his high level of confidence Oprecht said that he has warned his charge to be wary of Augustin who packs an awesome wallop.
Meanwhile, Pauline London was also in attendance but restricted her work to conditioning exercises. She is scheduled to do battle with Veronica Blackman and as usual London is spewing confidence. “I will teach Blackman a lesson,” she promised.
The fighters will be heightening their activities during the coming days and Kaieteur Sport would be on hand to document every grunt; every punch; every knockdown as they unfold.
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