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ProAm Boxing extravaganza tonight …Winston Pompey/Simeon Hardy set for a war
Winston Pompey and Simeon Hardy does not necessarily hate each other but if the uninitiated were to visit the studios of the National Communications Network (NCN) yesterday afternoon where the pre-fight press conference to herald the 18th edition of the ProAm boxing extravaganza was held, one would have got the impression that they dislike the best bone in each other’s body. The pair would step into the ring tonight in to battle over 6 rounds in a middleweight contest of the main bout of the card.
Winston Pompey
Barbadian tornado, Miguel Antoine, will tackle Trinidad based Guyanese, Jermaine King in a 4 round welterweight encounter while two debutants, bantamweight, Shaheed Ali and middleweight, Kelsie George come up against Carlton Skeete and Troy Lewis respectively. Both are four round affairs.
Already, the Hardy/Pompey match has caught the attention of the pundits and is slated for 6 rounds. However, one will not be surprised if it fails to go the distance. Both pugilists exchanged caustic barbs at the press conference and though Pompey shied away from a prediction, Hardy boldly promised to end the fight well within the distance.
“That’s an impossible mission,” blurted Pompey. Hardy was on the ball, “I remember looking at the film ‘Mission Impossible’ and if my memory serves me correctly it was Tom Cruise, not Winston Pompey that starred the movie,” he quipped.
Someone pointed out that Pompey has been trading professional punches far longer than Hardy and should prevail by dint of his experience. Hardy promptly responded, “Pompey is in the professional business longer than I but technically I am the better man. Furthermore, I engaged in tougher training sessions and my camp consists of more qualitative sparring partners,” countered Hardy. The two engaged in a prolonged period of banter and each promised to back their chat. Miguel Antoine was also subjected to a bout of caustic remarks from King. The Barbadian calmly promised to replicate earlier performances where he had overcome three other Guyanese fighters. He intimated that he had taken the bout on a late notice but felt confident that he could adjust to his opponent’s style and take the fight. “I will resort to my ‘A’ plan and take this one,” pronounced the Barbadian. “I’m Guyanese and we don’t back down,” retorted King.
Lewis was also in attendance and promised to teach Kelsie George a thing or two in the finer art of the sport. He stopped short of predicting a knockout but assured his fans that he would be victorious. George has had a brief sojourn in the amateur ranks compiling 12 fights before acquiring his professional license. He travelled from Berbice to be at the press conference and scoffed at Lewis’ remarks while promising to start his professional career on a winning note.
“I will be launching a lot of bombs and I hope he could take it,” said Lewis. “I am not impressed!” retorted George.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool is pleased with the progress of the ProAm initiative to date. He said that the eight amateur boxers on show coupled with the two debutants is evidence that the card is serving its purpose. He disclosed that organisers are currently negotiating with the Jamaican and Mexican boxing authorities and Guyanese may soon see boxers from these countries gracing these shores to compete against their local counterparts. He reiterated that the purpose of the initiative is to provide a platform for local boxers to launch onto the International scene and consequently procure lucrative accolades.
Barbadian promoter and manager of Miguel Antoine, Sam Layne was high in praise of the efforts of the local boxing administrators. He feels that the ProAm cards are providing an opportunity for Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals to procure fights even as they earn a monthly purse to facilitate expenses. He is currently engaged in negotiations that will see several local pugilist procuring fights in Canada.
Tonight’s action gets underway at 20:00hrs and those unable to attend may tune in the National Communications Network (NCN) television for a blow by blow account of the proceedings.
The ProAm boxing affair is an initiative of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the NCN. Admission is $1000 for adults while children pay half that amount.
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