Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Barbadian based Guyanese fighters to highlight February edition of ProAm
The boxers affix their signatures to their respective contracts just hours before returning to the gyms to resume training sessions.
Boxing fans that have come to expect the monthly fistic clashes are assured or several action packed encounters when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) presents this year’s second edition of the monthly ProAm boxing card on February 25.
The action seen in the January edition will spill over into this month end’s edition when 10 boxers appear on the five card programme which also consists of two bouts of international flavour which includes a title fight.
Mark Austin who has made quite a name for himself, defeating all comers last year will don gloves against Barbadian based Guyanese, Miguel Antoine in a bout that will serve as a real test for the local pugilist. This bout is scheduled for 10 rounds and the winner will also win the Commonwealth Regional jnr/welterweight title.
Additionally, fans would be treated to the regular four bouts, one of which will also be of international flavour. In that bout Rudolph Fraser matches gloves with another Barbadian based Guyanese, Gardiel Robins, over 4 rounds.
Dexter Marques also makes a grand return to the local arena after a three months training stint in Canada where he says he has picked up some valuable tips in the fistic sport. Veronica Blackman, fresh off a victory over Pauline London also dons gloves in opposition of Mandessa Moses in what will definitely distinguish the best in this division in the distaff department. Welterweights, Simeion Hardy and Clifton Barker will round off the card.
Meanwhile, the boxers convened at the offices of President of the GBBC and affixed their respective signatures on the contract that sealed the deal yesterday afternoon. As usual each fighter was full of confidence and vowed to cart off the honours.
Mark Austin exuded confidence and assured his fans that he would continue his winning ways. He said that he has taken this bout seriously since he recognizes that winning would be a great fillip to his budding career. He further revealed that his training team will depart Georgetown this morning for the mining town of Linden where they will set up camp for a period of time.
Austin explained that the move will enable his coaches to employ a rigid training programme to enhance his conditioning and fitness. During his sojourn he will engage in rigorous work on the hilly terrain as well as in the numerous sandpits in the area.
Antoine sports an unbeaten record; the only blemish is a drawn decision against Clive Atwell in the September edition of the card. Since then the Guyanese pugilist has signaled a desire to change this stat and the Antoine bout is just the kind of fight to test his mettle.
Meanwhile, Moses said that she is ready for battle against Blackman. When told that her opponent was very tough and was coming off an impressive win against Pauline London Moses retorted, “I have fought tougher opponents and am prepared for whatever Veronica has to offer.” She further said that she is focused and will allow nothing to stand in her way.
Simeion Hardy had suffered a broken left wrist after his bout against Troy Lewis in their bout last December revealed that his hand is now completely healed and he is ready to resume combat.
The boxers have opened camp at several gyms around the country. Marques, Hardy and Blackman are at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) while Robertson, Barker and Moses are working out at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG). Fraser is all the way up the East Coast; at the 5 Star Boxing Gym operated by Carl Franklyn. Kaieteur Sport will be visiting the various gyms to keep the sporting public abreast of the boxers’ training development during the preparation period.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A call for more cultural centres
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- Burnham’s decision to divert the Indian Immigration Fund towards constructing the National... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
