Rogers confident of victory in CABOFE championship bout against Dexter Marques

Feb 19, 2012 Sports

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By Samuel Whyte
Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers recently broke a prolonged losing streak with a first class thrashing of Barbadian Selwyn Lett and that victory has boosted his morale so much that he has promised a similar fate for Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques when the two clash for the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title and an opportunity to compete for a place on the imminent World Boxing Council’s (WBC) 50th golden anniversary tournament later in the year.

The two will clash on the card that also hosts several other bouts, all for CABOFE championships, among the nation’s best pugilists on Saturday February 25 next. The other fights are heavyweight, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite up against Barbadian Shawn ‘Bazooka’ Cox, Barbadian Miguel Antoine against Revlon Lake for the CABOFE, super/lightweight crown while Edmond DeClou battles Trinidadian Kevin Placide for the middleweight version of the title. Bantamweight, Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry comes up against Barbadian, Selwyn Lett.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport moments after wrapping up training sessions at the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG) in Berbice, Rogers said that he regards Marques as an obstacle in his way and has promised to dispose of it. The diminutive Rogers has stepped up his work programme and said that he has never been more serious for a fight as he is of this one. He said “This is my year of revenge. When I am finished with Marques I will turn my attention to the others; Marques is a marked man on fight night.”
Rogers further reiterated that he will be launching bombs and grenades this year and warned Marques to come well attired in appropriate garments to stem the onslaught. “He is the first in line and will be hit hard,” warned Rogers.
The Berbician also feels that all the hype about Marques and those labeling him (Rogers) as the underdog is just a ‘Georgetown thing’ meant to attract attention. ”The pundits can categorize me as an underdog or whatever name they want to attach to me but when my back is against the wall that is the time I perform to my best,” Rogers assured. He scoffed at the three previous losses to Marques saying that he is better prepared for the imminent battle. Rogers also said that he has gained quite a lot of experience after the losses to Marques. “The Kid is in for a torrid time as all of my punches will be on the mark and I doubt whether this one will last,” assured Rogers.
At 37 years of age when most boxers are contemplating hanging up their gloves, Rogers said that he is in the best shape of his life. He said that he has employed the services of former local light/ heavyweight champion, Al Thomas to bring him to that competitive level so necessary for winning this bout. Thomas is also assisted by former national amateur boxing champions Michael Crawford and Monty Bovell.
Rogers said that he is motivated to do well after noting that Berbice, once noted for its production of top fighters, is devoid of such. “I plan to bring back such honours to Berbice,” promised Rogers. He feels that winning the title would serve as a motivating factor for the residents of the Ancient County as well as the youngsters involved in the sport. “I will lead by example,” he proclaimed.
Rogers said that he is so confident of winning that he is using the fight as a stepping stone to bigger things. He said that he is looking past Marques and already contemplating the benefits of the WBC 50th anniversary celebratory tournament.
Rogers also said that while a knockout would be the ideal decision he is prepared to go the entire distance. “Whatever happens, I going not prepared to lose to Marques; whether it’s the full 12 rounds or a knockout, I know I will be standing in the winning corner,”
Rogers’ training schedule commences from 04:00hrs when he hits the road for a five mile jog. He also engages in skipping sessions, shadowboxing and some stiff physical exercises, all under the guidance of coach, Charles Thomas, he then rests for a few hours before returning at 16:00hrs for gym work which includes sparring sessions, pad work, and several rounds on the heavy punching bag. For speed, he spends some time on the double ended ball.
Professional boxer Kelsie George provides competent work during sparring sessions while he utilizes the services of top amateur boxer Richard Williamson for speed. In fact Rogers, whose record is not as impressive as he would have liked it to be, stated that it is his time now for upward mobility and cited his two recent convincing victories as proof that his career is back on track.
The 25 years old Marques boasts a record of 8 fights with 2 losses. He is currently training at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Albouystown.
Bell time is 20:00hrs while admission is $3,000 for ringside and $1,500 for stands.

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