Guyanese pugilists commence battle for honours as tournament gets underway

Mar 29, 2014 Sports

By Michael Benjamin in St Lucia with the compliments of
Mings Products and Services, Vizion Sounds, LIAT Airlines

The three Guyanese boxers participating in Tri Nation Boxing Extravaganza in St Lucia March 27-29, were scheduled to commence their campaign for honours when the curtains went up on that tournament at the Vigie Multi-purpose Complex here in St Lucia last night and much is expected from them.

Francisco Hernandez Rolden is flanked by Ron Smith (r) and Bert Braithwaite moments after the team arrived in St Lucia.

The team is coached and managed by Cuban coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan and consists of Junior/welterweight pugilist, Bert Braithwaite, light/middleweight, Ron Smith and bantamweight, Dillon Charles. Braithwaite will have his work cut out for him when he battles against St Lucian, Lyndon ‘Russian’ Marcelin. The two boxers are scheduled to engage in a three bout contest than commenced last night, continues tonight and concludes tomorrow night.
When the two clashed in Brazil in August last year in the Olympics Qualifiers, the St Lucian had prevailed by knockout but Braithwaite had avenged that loss by points in the Tri-Nation Goodwill tournament in Guyana February last. The St Lucians felt that they were ‘done in’ and longed for a third encounter. They will get their wish starting last night when the two pugilists go after each other in the three bout contest.
Smith and Charles were also scheduled to be on show last night. The former boxer tackles St Lucian, Ron Bastine, while Charles goes up against Bastine’s countryman, Joshua Duberrey.
The host country has selected a full squad while Martinique, the first team to arrive, sports a large team of enthusiastic pugilists all rearing to go. The Guadeloupe boxers were slated to arrive on the Island late Thursday evening but later informed organizers that they were unable to keep their ring date because of transportation difficulties while the Guyanese touched down at the John F Charles Airport at around 16:00hrs Thursday afternoon last. Cuban coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan accompanied the boxers in the capacity of manager/coach and shortly after checking in at the Golden Arrow Inn, the trio told Kaieteur Sport that they are ready for battle and are in an upbeat mood.
St Lucia has also selected one female but it seems as though she will not be required to enter the ring since no other country has fielded a female pugilist. Theresa London was scheduled to represent Guyana but Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) selectors had said that they were forced to omit her from the team after she had suffered a knockout in the South American games in Chile.
Yesterday, International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) Olympics referee, James Beckles said that he was surprised by the decision taken by the local boxing association. He said that London was not knocked out but rather, the referee had called a halt to her contest after she had received three consecutive mandatory 8 counts in the same round. “AIBA mandatory rules to rest from competitive activity do not include such cases,” Beckles explained. Consequently, the St Lucian organizers were attempting to organize a flight out of Guyana for London to travel to the Island but up to the time of this report were unsuccessful.

Lyndell ‘The Russian’ Marcellin

Meanwhile, the bouts were initially slated for the Gros Islet Secondary School but organizers were forced to change the venue to outdoor facilities at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Complex. President of the St Lucia amateur Boxing Association, David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, was somewhat disappointed and said that his team had incurred additional expenses following the abrupt change. He explained that the initial indoor facility would have curtailed the huge bill but organizers were forced to switch after the administrators of that institution said that they were concerned that patrons would have indulged in the use of alcoholic beverages and by extension, disorderly behaviour.
Mr. Christopher said that that decision resulted in a steep rise in the organizational costs as he was forced to rent additional equipment for the ring as well as to ensure the safety and comfort of patrons. He said that he has received support from the St Lucia Olympic Committee through the generosity of its President, Fortuna Belrose. He also lauded the input of the Tourism Ministry whose Minister, Lorne Theophilus, has rendered tangible support.
Mr. Christopher also acknowledged the efforts of permanent Secretary of the Tourism Association, Donovan Williams, for his valued input. “These officials feel that the event is a national one that could promote local tourism and has decided to render firm support,” said Mr. Christopher.