The unfinished brawl

Jan 27, 2012 Sports

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Who will prevail when ‘The Candyman’ takes on ‘Pure Gold’

When Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy and Iwan ‘Pure Gold’ Azore journeyed to the offices of Abdool and Abdool Insurance earlier in the month, they were merely there to formalize the deal that would have seen them battling for the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) welterweight belt. Things reached a head after an exchange of vitriolic barbs culminated with a fist fight that lasted for just under three minutes. 
It was fast and furious and when the smoke was cleared, Azore sported a gash over his eye while Hardy was fuming and regretting that he was unable to inflict more serious damage. Thereafter, executives of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) strategically assumed a position in the middle to ensure that there was no such recurrence whenever the two pugilists appeared at other promotional functions.
Both boxers had dubbed the move unnecessary since they had both planned to finish off the battle in the ‘square jungle.’ They both get that chance when the GBBC presents the 20th edition of Guyana Fight Night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) tonight.
Opinions are divided over which fighter will walk off with the spoils as both have demonstrated the alacrity and will to prevail. Further, the acquisition of the prestigious CABOFE title could serve as the catalyst for a ‘go for broke’ showpiece.
Hardy has patented the infamous ‘chin check,’ a left hook he claims will verify whether his opponents are capable of withstanding his heavy artillery. Patrick Boston and Winston Pompey both failed the test and were blasted into oblivion. Hardy has already stated that Azore will suffer a similar fate as his predecessors.
Somehow, Hardy believes that his coaches, Joseph Murray and Sebert Blake, have the required competence to assist him in attaining his goal. This confidence might have been emboldened by his previous victories and Hardy has said that he badly wants the CABOFE title since it could be the catalyst towards greater international accomplishments.
Azore, on the other hand, is no slouch. He has plied his trade in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and could be considered a notch above Hardy. Whereas Hardy has demonstrated enthusiasm supported by punching power, Azore has experience on his side and also packs a wallop. He has battled with a temper that has impeded his progression but it was commendable to note that he has managed to control his fury even in the face of the disruption at the offices of Abdool and Abdools.
Indeed, he will be required to be at his best since Hardy is bursting with confidence which could prove to be bothersome. Conversely, Azore may very well use this trait against Hardy since overconfidence has been the downfall of many an aspiring boxer. The fact that one of the two will eventually emerge as the CABOFE champion, can inspire both pugilists to dig real deep. Only the clang of the bell tonight will decisively answer the question of who will prevail.
The Anthony Augustin/Mitchell Rogers shindig should be just as interesting as both boxers have suffered defeats against, and are interested in a rematch with local heavyweight king, Kurt Bess. The winner will clinch the rematch and both boxers would be anxious to come out triumphant. Rogers has redeemed himself somewhat when, just under two weeks, he turned in a great performance against Trinidadian Kirston Manswell and lost controversially.
Augustin will have other plans since he is also on the redemption trail and would nurture thoughts of reinstating his career. The other two fights will pit the skills of James Walcott against Edmond Declou in a four rounder while Jermaine King will attempt to reverse an earlier loss to Cecil Smith in the night’s opener.
Meanwhile, the country’s top amateur boxers would also be on show but the bantamweight clash between Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG) representative, Richard Williamson and 2012 Olympic Games hopeful and Harpy Eagle’s (HEBG) representative, Imran ‘Magic’ Khan had to be cancelled after the latter boxer received an injury in an altercation during an out of ring fight earlier in the month.
However, another representative of the PRBG, Joel Williamson, will be keen to resume his winning ways when he opposes Travis Hubbard in the 95-99lbs class. The young Berbician has recently been commended for his sterling contributions to the development of the gym by his Coach, Orland Rogers as he reflected on the meritorious rise of several of his charges. The gym is currently preparing to host its Annual General Meeting to install the executive body for the next dispensation.
In total, there will be four (4) amateur fights and Matthew Hollingsworth, a relatively young boxer of the East Coast Demerara based 5 Star Boxing Gym will attempt to get past the more experienced Diwani Lampkins of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gym in the 100-106lbs class.
In the final amateur contest for the night, Quincy Gomes of the Young Achievers Boxing Gym (YABG) will tackle Randolph Singh of the HEBG in a lightweight matchup.
The boxers continue to benefit from the constant activity provided by their participation in the ProAm boxing cards and will receive the usual large food hamper provided by furniture giants, Courts Guyana Ltd. The bouts, previously broadcast live, will now be subject to a delayed broadcast while admission price remains at $1000 for adults and $500 for children.
Several corporate entities have teamed up to ensure the success of the card including Guyoil, Ansa Mcal, Singers and Digicel among others. Bell time tonight is 20:00hrs.

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