Kurt knocks out Fraser to prove he is the ‘Bess’

Apr 27, 2011 Sports

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– wins local cruiserweight title

By Michael Benjamin
Kurt Bess gave new meaning to his surname when in a clinical display of power punching he demolished Barbados based Guyanese Cleveland Fraser to register a fourth round knockout and win the local cruiserweight title when activities in the 14th edition of the monthly ProAm boxing card concluded at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground Linden, Monday evening last.
Spectators that turned out to see the card were certainly not disappointed as the various boxers on show turned in great performances that indeed bode well for the future of the sport in the mining town.
The card started on a successful note for Cassius Matthews who steamrolled Shawn Pile to notch up a lopsided unanimous verdict in their junior/welterweight clash moments before substitute fighter, Veronica Blackman turned back the challenge of Pauline London in their catchweight bout. In the final bout in the professional segment, Patrick Boston failed to get past Edmond DeClou in their super/middleweight shindig despite turning in the best performance of his professional career.
Fraser started the fight like a man on a mission thumping Bess with several sharp combinations to his head. Bess recoiled to stave off the onslaught but Fraser’s persistence won out and before the round was through he had connected with several similar salvoes to clearly take the round.
As the bell rang for the second stanza, the Barbadian based Guyanese resumed where he had left off in the first, pummeling Bess to the body and head. The latter fighter seemed content to block up to ward off the onslaught. The exchanges were brutal and the general consensus was that Fraser would have closed up shop very early. This was not to be as Bess awoke from his lethargy and lashed out, drifting Fraser backwards to the ropes. So vicious was one of these attacks that the NCN cameraman attempting to document the proceedings was rocked back from the ring apron. He did resume duties but from a safer vantage point.
Fraser attacked with venom in the third frame, pushing the lanky Bess backwards. Several stiff combinations rocked Bess’ head before he reasserted himself and retaliated with some stinging punches that forced Fraser into a backpedaling mode.
Fraser’s confidence was evident as he started the fourth round. Bess shuffled backwards while the lanky Fraser attacked relentlessly. Few saw the killer punch that decked Fraser; it came so fast. Fewer could have conceptualized the ferocity of the blow. It landed on Fraser’s temple and gravity took over. He fell with a resounding thud that reverberated around the venue and probably around mining town.
The referee, Eon Jardine needed just a cursory glance to convince him that the mandatory eight count was a waste of time. He formalized the knockout with a ceremonious wave of the hand. The time was 3:35 into the fourth round. Fraser lay prostrate for some time before he was helped back to his corner.
Pressed by this writer for a comment he tersely replied, “You saw what happened; I have nothing more to say.” Fraser’s coach Sebert Blake then lashed out at the media with unfounded claims of impartiality and verbally abused this writer while instructing Bess not to respond to the post fight interview. The reasons for his grouse are still to be established.
Boston has compiled an unflattering record characterized by numerous losses. The pundits had already written him off in his super/middleweight fight against DeClou but Boston defied his critics with a sterling performance that set tongues wagging. While the Lindener tried to assert himself in the first round, Boston capitalized and piled up valuable points. He decked DeClou after a spirited attack in the first stanza but surprisingly, the referee ruled that it was a slip.
Even so, Boston easily took the round. DeClou found his rhythm in the second stanza and punished Boston severely as though reprimanding him for his presumption in the first round. He must have been surprised when, instead of recoiling, Boston matched his fury and punches rained down on both principals. The final round was a replica of the preceding three and when the bell separated the two gladiators, the small crowd acknowledged the performance with lusty applause.
London failed to live up to her pre-fight boasts but might find a limb to hang her excuse because her initial opponent, Sharon Ward failed show up, forcing the Blackman replacement. The latter fighter dominated the proceedings and reduced the former to a sham when her pre-fight boasts were remembered.
Matthews was hardly required to break a sweat against Pyle and dished out a severe beating that earned him a 40-36 verdict on all three of the judges’ scorecards.
It was the fitting end to a card that promised much and to some extent, delivered. However, it failed to bring out the Lindeners in their numbers. A random survey uncovered lax advertising ploys as the culprit.
Those boxing buffs that were unable to travel for a live view of the fights but accustomed to the month end entertainment will get an opportunity of seeing blow by blow action on NCN this Friday at a time to be announced.
The next ProAm will coincide with Guyana’s independence anniversary and is scheduled for Friday May 27. The names of the participating boxers would be announced soon.

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