KO is the prediction when over 400 pounds of human clash for CABOFE honours tonight

Dec 17, 2011 Sports

It takes a bit of imagination but when one finally conjures the image of two gladiators,

The calm before the storm: Bess (left) and Cox square off just after trading caustic words at the pre-fight press conference.

each tipping the scales in excess of two hundred pounds, going after each other with a vengeance, coupled with a desire to inflict grievous bodily harm to each other, one experiences a spine-tingling feeling and naturally, is forced to predict a knockout for either Guyanese Kurt Bess or his Bajan opponent, Shawn Cox when the two clash for the latter fighter’s Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) heavyweight championship tonight.
Indeed the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will be teeming with activity when this scenario is played out and the two gladiators throw down the gauntlet in a make or break encounter. Cox arrived in Guyana on Thursday morning, mere hours before appearing on a live programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) where, despite being tired, traded vitriolic words with his opponent. The Bajan looked frightening with well carved muscles and rippling abdominals, an indication that he had applied himself diligently to his training. No sooner had he entered the studio that he turned to Bess and hurled a warning in his direction. “I am going to take you in five!” he said while clenching his fists. Cox had honed his skill at the Belfield Boxing Gym, Black Rock Barbados under the tutelage of his coach, Sam Layne. He said that he had imprinted Bess’ name on the punching bag during training sessions and had imagined that every punch had dissected a part of Bess’ body.
The usually reticent Bess refused to be scared and retorted that he will be ready for whatever the Bajan has to offer. Indeed this could amount to a lot, for Cox had demonstrated his true potential in two earlier outings here in Guyana against Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes and Anthony Augustin. He had finished off both pugilists within the first half of their respective fights.
While Cox was knocking out Augustin and Gilkes, Bess was emulating his feats against Mitchell Rogers and Cleveland Fraser. His numbing power blasted both men into oblivion and despite earning a reputation as a slow starter Bess has managed to command respect. He will bank on that big left hook that blasted Rogers and Fraser to smithereens earning him the local light/heavyweight and cruiserweight crowns. Should he succeed tonight he will add another prestigious accolade to his already bulging collection which should be the catalyst to the procurement of bigger titles.
Cox would want to hold on to his belt as he will also have his eyes set on international stardom. This newspaper had earlier reported that he had recently returned from a fight in Mexico. Cox corrected that to say that he had in fact traveled to Russia on a short training stint. He said that he has benefited immensely from the sojourn and is ready to show off his wares. The muscular Barbadian also admitted that Bess is a strong puncher but he plans to be circumspect even as he dishes out a healthy portion of power punches.
Two hefty men; one title; who will win? While that question remains moot, one thing is for sure, the fight will not last the distance. Fans would want to witness this battle from the first gong to the moment the referee waves it off.

The main preliminary between Miguel Antoine and Mark Austin promises similar action since the Bajan had won a decision over the Guyanese in an earlier meeting. The two will clash in a 140lbs shindig but whereas their last bout was for the Zonal Commonwealth title, this fight offers revenge for Austin while Antoine gets the opportunity to prove that his earlier win was no fluke.
Layne, who also manages Antoine, said that his charge is a natural junior/welterweight but has acquiesced to fight in the higher division. He assured that Antoine is oozing confidence since he enters the ring with a psychological advantage after capturing a decisive point’s decision in the first encounter.
Austin has other ideas and his application to his training is indicative of a man who wants to reverse his ill fortunes. Quizzed of his approach Austin stoutly proclaimed that Antoine cannot fight on his back foot and he (Austin) will be attacking from the onset. “I am going for broke and in the end I will be victorious,” proclaimed Austin.
Otherwise, the Elton Dharry/Orland Rogers clash should provide some entertainment. The last time the two met, Dharry had pounded out a split decision verdict while ‘Pocket Rocket’ had cried foul. He had pleaded for a return match and this could be his golden opportunity of reversing his fortunes. This fight replaces the Clive Atwell/Gardiel Roberts match after the former pugilist was unable to travel from his Dominican base for the encounter.
The night’s opener will see debutant Prince Slowe attempt to start his professional career on a winning note against the more experienced Hewley Robinson over 4 rounds. There will also be the customary complement of 4 amateur bouts while admission remains at $1000 for adults with children paying half that amount. Patrons are reminded that the fight will not be shown live but will be recorded for a subsequent airing later on.
The card is sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd, Castrol, Giftland Office Max, Ansa Mcal and Courts. Patrons are further advised 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.