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A tempestuous calm before the storm as Fraser and Bess prepare for showdown
Bess and Fraser are ready to rumble and face off just after the conclusion of the press conference
There is an old idiom that says ‘empty barrels make the most noise.’ If there is any credence to this adage then it stands to reason that quiet dispositions depict substance and worth. Further, if there is confirmation of this rationale, boxing buffs in Linden could be assured of fistic fury when Barbadian based Guyanese, Cleveland Fraser and Kurt Bess clash for the local cruiserweight crown on Monday April 25.
The two pugilists appeared in the studios of the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday afternoon and simply refused to exchange the caustic barbs, characteristic of preceding pre-fight press conferences. Asked for predictions Fraser said “I left Barbados with every intention to win this bout and there has been no change of plans since arriving in Guyana.” Bess simply said, “I prefer to do my talking in the ring!”
The venue for the action is the Mackenzie Sports Club and activities would coincide with the annual Town Day activities.
The organizers have cleverly pitted the skills of several boxers from the mining town with those from Georgetown and the Lindeners would obviously come out in full strength to support their village representatives.
However, amidst the fierce rivalry between Georgetown and Linden, Barbadian based Guyanese, Cleveland Fraser and Kurt Bess will clash for the local cruiserweight crown and both principals are oozing confidence ahead of the bout. This bout will be an incentive for the boxing hungry patrons of Linden who have not had a qualitative boxing card hosted in that region for some time now.
The Linden boxers scheduled to be on show are Super/middleweight Edmond DeClou who tackles Patrick Boston in a 4 rounds affair. Cassius Matthews, another Lindener, opposes Shawn Pyle also over 4 rounds, while Sharon Ward will enjoy the home advantage to Pauline London in a 4 rounds shindig.
Several of the fighters appeared on the monthly press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN yesterday afternoon but the only Lindener to make the journey was Cassius Matthews. Ironically, his opponent, Shawn Pyle, was a no show at the function. This certainly did not stop Matthews from mouthing off. He said that he has corrected the errors that were responsible for his loss to Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy and was ready to redeem himself.
The garrulous Pauline London did not allow the absence of Ward to deter her and as usual, was also firing on all pistons. She promised all manner of punishment to the Lindener, while pointing out that she has intensified her training regiment during preparations to accommodate an improved performance.
Meanwhile, Raphael Jonas, Fraser’s manager, is exuding confidence saying that his charge is in the pink of condition and coming to win. He said Fraser has recently dropped a decision to Guyanese Shawn Corbin in a fight in Trinidad and Tobago and has since returned to the gym to address his shortcomings. Jonas said that Fraser is anxious to return to winners’ row and has diligently applied himself to his training to do so.
There will also be the regular accompaniment of 4 amateur bouts and the organizers have revealed that the bulk of boxers would be drawn from the Linden gyms. Dexter Wray will oppose Troy Billey in a junior/flyweight encounter while Bert Braithwaite opposes Lindener Akeem Alexander in a junior/welterweight bout. Another Lindener, Randy Tello squares off with Dennis Thomas in a middleweight contest while Valanzo Hackette, also of Linden, and Kelwin Josiah clash in a flyweight contest.
The gates of the venue open at 1800hrs while the first gong sounds at 20:00hrs. Fans in Georgetown unable to travel to Linden would have an opportunity to view the bouts on the following Friday on the NCN television.
The organizers are grateful for the input of several corporate entities including Digicel, Guyoil, Giftland Office Max and Ansa McAl. The card is also held in collaboration with the NCN and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
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