McRae promises to redeem himself by stopping DeClou in Fight Night affair

Jul 28, 2011 Sports

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Joel ‘Mr. Majestic McRae is brimming with confidence and he has spared no effort to let his nemesis, Edmond DeClou know that he is aiming for a knockout when the two pugilists face off for a middleweight bout this Friday July 29 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). McRae was extolling himself at the pre-fight press conference for the 17th edition of the monthly ProAm boxing extravaganza at the National Communications Network Studios yesterday afternoon.
I intend to employ the two Rs—revenge and redeem,” proclaimed McRae when quizzed on his intentions this time around. “My coaches and I have worked hard to put together the puzzle to defeat DeClou and I could assure you that I will take this one,” he assured.
Pressed for a prediction McRae said, “Somebody got to go; it matters not which round but I will take this inside the distance.” The lanky fighter further said that he realizes that Declou is a formidable foe but “I intend to chop down this tree.”
DeClou was unable to make the trip from his Linden base and was unable to rebut. However, boxing buffs will remember that he has made his name in the ProAm cards when he dished out a two fisted attack on Kwesi Jones, taking a close decision in the second encounter of their trilogy.
Further, the Lindener has defeated McRae in an earlier fight and would be entering the fray with the psychological advantage.
Should DeClou manage to whip himself into a similar shape as in the previous encounter and should he enter the ring with a similar level of determination then McRae could expect a stern test.
Barbadian based Guyanese Selwyn Lett flew in early yesterday for his bout with Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers and is spouting confidence. He admits that he knows nothing of Rogers but said that he is ready to deal with whatever the Guyanese ‘Pocket Rocket’ has to offer. “I have nothing further to say, I will do my talking in the ring,” said Lett.
A former resident of the West Coast Lett started his boxing career in Barbados as an amateur before advancing into the professional ranks in 2005. He has compiled a 4-2-1-1 record and regards himself as a flexible and adaptable pugilist. “I love attacking but am quite capable of defending myself,” he said.
Anthony Augustin makes a grand return to the ring after suffering a humiliating loss to Kurt Bess. The stocky pugilist fights Bajan, Julian Taniff and feels confident of carting off the spoils. He said that he has benefited tremendously from the compulsory rest and is good and ready to resume his career on a winning note. “I know nothing of my opponent but I am a true professional and will assess the situation when I am in the ring,” said Augustin.
Barbadian Miguel Antoine has had a successful run so far, defeating Mark Austin and Shawn Pyle. He will attempt to extend that streak when he faces Matthews over 4 rounds. The latter fighter has had a lengthy layoff from the ring after battling to a draw with Vincent Howard. Upon his return he dropped a lopsided verdict to Simeon Hardy. He went on to repair that damage when in a subsequent fight he defeated Shawn Pyle thus reinstating himself as a force among his contemporaries.
However, Matthews will have to be wary of Antoine especially since the Bajan is brimming with confidence following his two successes locally. Furthermore, Antoine is no slouch and can pack a punch.
Matthews was very reticent at the press conference but assured that he had taken the bout seriously and is coming for a fight. Known for his ability to box, the Lindener could pose problems for Antoine especially if he decides to move around. With a totally contrasting style Antoine could make things a little dicey for Matthews. This scenario points to an interesting battle that could titillate the crowd and flesh out to be a fight worth watching.
Otherwise, fans will be entertained by the amateur boxers when the action gets underway at 20:00hrs. Bantamweight pugilist Benjamin Henry has been identified to represent Guyana in the Youth Commonwealth Games scheduled for the Isle of Mann in October.
The North West Boxing Gym representative will match gloves with Mark Anthony in a bantamweight showdown while jnr/flyweight Dexter ‘Chucky’ Wray battles Kevin Allicock in a highly anticipated thriller. Marlon Darrel will next oppose Trenton Warde in a lightweight shindig while Marvin Ageday, also selected for the Youth Commonwealth Games opposes Kishon Simon in a jnr/welterweight clash.
All of the boxers are winding down preparations and boxing buffs could anticipate the usual action packed encounters that have characterized the amateur segment of the programme. These bouts usually occur at the start of the card and precede a half hour break before the professionals get into action.
The ProAm affair is a Guyana Boxing Board of Control initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Communication Network. Tickets are $1,000 and $500 for adults and children respectively.

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