Boxers rearing to go as Guyana Fight Night poised to set the West Coast on Fire

Jun 29, 2013 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin
Boxing administrators have taken the sport just out of Georgetown, at the Princess hotel, Providence EBD; they have gone to Region 10, at the Mackenzie Sports Club for similar engagements; Berbicians have had their day when administrators took the sport to the Scott School Ground Canje, Berbice. Now, for the first time in local history residents of the West Coast will enjoy a night of fistic fury when the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages the 28th edition of Guyana Fight Night (GFN) at the Uitvlugt Community Centre, West Coast Demerara tonight.
Ten professional boxers and 8 amateurs will battle it out in an overall total of 46 rounds of fistic fury but judging from the threats and vitriol emanating from the mouths of the various principals, fans might just have to settle for truncated bouts.
The 4 rounds light/middleweight bout between Eversley Brown and debutant, Romeo Norville, who is making his professional debut, has captured the interest of the pundits. The former pugilist is the more experienced and will be out to stamp his dominance even as his coach, Ovid London, has promised to unleash his fighter on young Norville. London has further promised that the debutant is in for a torrid time. London has been in charge of Brown’s affairs and he said that he has been especially cruel in his applications. He said that his reason for such brutality was to prepare his charge for any eventuality.
Eversley stayed away from the pre-fight press conference at the NCN Studios Thursday afternoon last but his coach represented his cause. He spewed venom and told Norville that his charge would stop him in round three. A riled up London, a member of the Pauline and Pamela London clan, likened tonight’s bout to the Roberto Duran/Thomas Hearns world title affair. He said that he is taking no chances and would be out to end the fight by the 3rd round.
Norville was more amused than afraid and said that since London had selected the third stanza for the demolition, he (Norville), would have to seize the initiative; he reduced the duration of the bout to 2 rounds saying that his man would not go past that mark.
Laured Stewart and Anson Green have demonstrated absolutely no respect for each other with the latter fighter stopping short of labeling the former as disrespectful. His view might have been derived from the fact that Stewart is a debutant while he (Green) has been engaged in three hectic bouts at this level. His only loss is to Gladwin Dorway and even then Green had put up a courageous show.
Stewart’s claim to competence was derived from an illustrious amateur career where he had compiled 37 wins and 8 losses. He also represented Guyana at several international tournaments in Barbados. A skilful boxer, Stewart has weathered the storm at the amateur level. Indeed, the Green bout will be testing but Stewart is no slouch which makes picking a winner for this one somewhat problematic. However, despite the pundits’ view, one thing is for sure, a scorching bout was promised and a scorching bout it will be.
Boxing buffs will know more of Revlon Lake than of  Dexter Gonsalves; Lake had avenged a four round loss to Mark Austin with a crunching left hook that left his man prostrate for the full count. Since then, Lake has surrendered that title to Clive Atwell, also by the knockout route. Notwithstanding, Lake has had quite a few epic battles with Barbadian, Miguel Antoine. Those bouts have served him well in the experience department and he may feel he has the edge.
But just who is Gonsalves? His claim to fame is a points decision over Prince Lee Isidore in a bout held in Trinidad and Tobago. This is a very good victory to have on his resume especially when one notes the determined display turned in by Isidore against local triple champion, Clive Atwell earlier this year. Otherwise, Gonsalves said that he had been in Lake’s corner when he lost to Antoine in Trinidad. “And despite my best efforts I could not get him to follow simple instructions,” exclaimed Gonsalves. He said that he is aware of Lake’s Achilles heel and has every intention of exploiting it. While all this sounds good Gonsalves may do well to remember that Lake has one of the best left hooks in the business.
Troy Hill has spoiled many a good fighter’s dreams with his crude but effective style. He packs a terrific punch and George is yet to prove that he could take a strong punch. However, George has been promised an incentive should he win; he will secure a bout against former World Boxing Association champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis. Some fighters perform better under certain circumstances and the ‘Sixhead’ bout might just be the spark to ignite Georges’ adrenals.
Otherwise, Leon Moore tackles Errol Trotman and the latter fighter, who has had a torrid professional career, has promised to turn his fortunes. The burden of vindication will rest heavily on his shoulders especially since Moore has had a lengthy hiatus from the ring and may just be a little rusty.
The amateurs are also expected to provide excitement starting with Jamie Kelman of the Young Achievers Boxing Gym (YABG) up against Quancy Wright of the Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG) in the 50-54lbs class followed by Squalie Wright (EBG) against Shemar Bumbury of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) in the 75-79lbs division. Wright’s gym mate, Shaka Moore, will take on Stephon Green of the Harpy Eagles (HE) in the 105-109lbs category and Quincy Boyce (GDF) will bring the amateur segment to a climax when he faces Travis Hubbard (HE) in the 118-125lbs division.
So Guyana Fight night has broadened its scope and the various principals are spouting confidence. For their part the organizers have put the necessary modalities in place just in case it rains and large tents will cover the ring and the seating area. Admission is $1,500 for any part of the ground and Slingerz Sound Systems will provide musical entertainment. It’s a ‘don’t you dare miss a punch’ affair. Bell time is 20:00hrs.

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