Live boxing show suspended as ProAm boxing extravaganza resumes

Nov 27, 2011 Sports

Ever since the inauguration of the Friday Nights Boxing extravaganza on February 24, 2010, boxing buffs, unable to attend the live shows, have witnessed 101 professional bouts and a further 77 amateur contests to date, compliments of the live television action on the National Communication Network (NCN) television.
This arrangement, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the NCN and the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) will be discontinued and boxing buffs will now have to wait one week after the conclusion of the fights for blow by blow action as of the impending 30 rounds boxing extravaganza at the Cliff Anderson Sports (CASH) on Saturday December 17 next.
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool made this disclosure Friday at a specially convened press briefing at his Avenue of the Republic office. He said that his decision was prompted by requests from his team of sponsors coupled with the poor live attendance over the months. The GBBC boss assured that the production would be qualitatively sanitized as the editors would have an opportunity to prepare a better package.
Mr. Abdool said that the earlier decision to air a live recording of the bouts hinged on a strong conviction that fans would be encouraged to attend the live shows. This was not to be with most persons opting to enjoy the bouts from the comfort of their living rooms, clubs and the many other popular venues countrywide. Naturally, such responses had a negative impact on the gate receipts. The astronomical costs attributed to the successful promotion of the cards also contributed to the decision to abort the live shows.
Notwithstanding the poor support and minimal returns, Mr. Abdool is adamant that the decision to televise the bouts has served its purpose. “The sports public has been able to assess the plethora of talent in Guyana and the quality of fights has vindicated our boasts of world class talent among our pugilists,” said Mr. Abdool. He singled out Lindener Edmond DeClou and Simeon ‘Candy man’ Hardy saying that their foundation was laid through their appearances on the Friday Night Fights.
He also highlighted the strides made by local heavyweight champion, Kurt Bess ever since his involvement in the programme. In fact, Bess had had a turbulent start to his career, surrendering a lopsided verdict to Trinidadian, Kirston Manswell. He also suffered losses to Mitchell Rogers and Anthony Augustin while under the wings of James Walcott at the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym. He then decided to move over to the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym under the tutelage of George ‘Kanchi’ Oprecht and has avenged both losses during appearances on the Friday Nights boxing cards.
Mark Austin, Lennox Alleyne, Kwesi Jones and Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry also came in for high praise following their immense strides in the ProAm arena. Mr. Abdool next turned his attention to the amateur fraternity. He said that there have been notable improvements in this fraternity largely in part to their heightened activity. Dexter ‘Chucky’ Wray, Nankumar Singh, Eon Bancroft and female boxer Theresa London were used to exemplify the strides made in this department.
Mr. Abdool is grateful for the input of the many corporate bodies that have invested in the programme even amidst the fluctuating economic environment. They include Banks DIH Ltd, Castrol, Giftland Office Max, Ansa McAl and Courts. The recently inaugurated airline, Red Jet, has also donated airline tickets to Trinidad and Tobago in the past and will extend similar chivalry for the impending card.
On Saturday December 17 next, local heavyweight champion, Kurt Bess will face the sternest test of his career when he squares off with Barbadian based Guyanese, Shawn Cox for the latter fighter’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) cruiserweight title while Miguel Antoine will clash with Mark Austin in a highly anticipated 8 rounds welterweight clash. Clive Atwell will attempt to augment his fledgling career with a win over Barbadian based Guyanese, Gardiel Roberts in a 130lbs shindig just before the 4 rounds bantamweight clash between Hewley Robinson and debutant Prince Slowe.
The admission price remains at $1,000 and those attending the card are asked to retain their ticket stubs for a special drawing at the end of the card. The winner will receive two airline tickets to Trinidad and Tobago compliments of Red Jet Airlines.

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Live boxing show suspended as ProAm boxing extravaganza resumes

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