Threats and caustic barbs as boxers sign for ‘Hurry Up promotions’ affair

Sep 27, 2012 Sports

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A vicious exchange of caustic barbs characterized the contract signing ceremony yesterday when boxers slated to exhibit their wares at the Hurry Up Boxing Promotions ‘Foreign Invasion’ convened at the Avenue of the Republic offices of Abdool and Abdools Insurance Brokers to consummate the deal for the 36 rounds extravaganza at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground, Saturday October 13 next.

Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman was initially scheduled to match gloves with unbeaten American middleweight, Frank Galarza but will now engage Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy in an 8 rounds light/middleweight affair.  According to promoter, Leon Moore, the American pugilist fought in a brutal contest last week that ended in a draw. Moore said that Galarza’s management team contacted him and postponed the bout saying that their fighter was not in good shape for another bout so close on the heels of last week’s encounter.
Rather than postpone the card, Moore turned to the reliable, Hardy who unhesitatingly agreed to step into the ring with the ‘Battersea Bomber.’ Not only did Hardy agree to the bout but he was extremely brash about his intentions.  Sitting directly opposite Eastman at the signing ceremony, Hardy delivered his usual diatribe and warned Eastman that the result would be the same as when the two fought three months ago. For the record, Hardy had overcome a sustained attack from the former European champion to prevail over 8 rounds.
“I’m happy about this rematch; it will give me the perfect opportunity to put things right,” declared Eastman. “Ever since the (last) fight I have developed tremendously while Eastman has declined; he is the worst for wear unlike me who has improved,” retorted Hardy. Then in a brash outburst he offered Eastman a way out, “I will allow you to have a few replacements outside the ring and you could tag them at anytime you wish.” Eastman simply shook his head and retorted, “I hope on the night in question you can walk the walk as you are talking the talk.”
Hardy was not the only one in a garrulous mood. Jermaine King, who opposes Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou in a 6 rounds super/middleweight affair, has warned his opponent to expect a torrid night. King said that he is in the best shape of his life and is ready to resume his winning ways. His words must not be taken lightly especially after his lopsided victory over Troy Lewis in his last bout.
DeClou shrugged aside the remarks saying that his fists will do the talking on fight night. He admitted that he was not at his best in his last two outings but has remedied the errors that were responsible for that. “That does not erase the fact that I am the Caribbean Boxing Federation and the local middleweight champion so you had better take note,” declared DeClou.
Moore will also lace up his gloves against Juan Carlos Pena out of the Dominican Republic. The multiple champion recently fought under the Boxing 360 Promotions but has since relinquished all ties with the American group. He will best be remembered for his bout against Breilor Teran, a tough Venezuelan that had tested him to the hilt. Moore had co-promoted that card with Carwyn Holland and the general view was that he was not as focused as he should have been. This time Moore said that all systems are in place and he has designated certain responsibilities to his competent team and will not have to worry much.
In the other bouts, Clive Atwell will match gloves with Orland Rogers in a 6 rounds catchweight affair. Atwell is only now beginning to gel as a professional and has removed Rudolph Fraser and Revlon Lake in devastating fashion in his two last bouts. Rogers is unimpressed and has promised to come out slugging. “At the end of the bout I will be declared the winner,” he prophesied. Atwell was unable to attend the function and could not respond appropriately. American, Allan Phallen will come up against Charlton Skeete in a featherweight 4 rounder as Skeete, now in his third professional bout, attempts to notch up his inaugural victory.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, lauded Moore for his bold initiative. He reminded of the dearth of promoters as against a plethora of talent even as he pointed out that events of this nature have been the foundation for past pugilists like Andrew Lewis among others.
Moore beseeched the support of the corporate community as well as the public. He said that his love for the sport is the catalyst for his involvement in the promotional arena. The former bantamweight champion will be moving up in weight to the featherweight division and said that he feels stronger at the new weight. He said that he has always wanted to give back to the sport that has been so good to him.
Moore also said that he has spoken to several promoters in the USA and is currently fine tuning arrangements to have several American fighters engage local pugilists on a constant basis in future cards. Fans could also expect an action packed affair if negotiations between heavyweights, Anthony Augustin and Mitchell Rogers fructify.

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