GBBC ‘Jamaican Invasion’ boxing affair...

GBBC ‘Jamaican Invasion’ boxing affair…

Apr 05, 2014 Sports

Hedge says he’ll knock out Marques in seven as Jamaicans get ready to rumble

By Michael Benjamin
If Jamaican flyweight pugilist, Rudolph ‘Cutting Edge’ Hedge, is to be believed then his flyweight bout against World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBCCABOFE) flyweight champion, Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques will be over long before its scheduled 12 rounds duration and he (Hedge) would be pronounced ‘winner and new champion’ in the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Jamaican Invasion boxing card at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) tonight.
Hedge predicted a 7th round knockout over the Guyanese pugilist when the principals of tonight’s boxing card convened at the Banks DIH, Thirst Park offices yesterday morning for the pre fight press conference.

The boxers capture a photo opportunity with agents of Fly Jamaica Airways.

The organizers have dubbed the card ‘Jamaican Invasion’ and from all appearances the four Jamaicans here to do battle with their Guyanese counterparts are set to invade the CASH and leave an indelible mark on the psyche of local boxing.
The quartet arrived in Guyana Thursday evening last and all of the pugilists from the land of ‘Wood and Water’ exuded confidence of carting off the honours in their respective bouts.
Those in attendance were Rudolph ‘Cutting Edge’ Hedge, who opposes Dexter Marques for the aforementioned accolade over 12 rounds, Quincy Gomes, who takes on Jamaican, Toriano Nicholas in a 4 rounds lightweight contest, Romeo Norville, who fights another Jamaican, Kemahl Russell, in a 4 rounds super middleweight bout, while Junior/middleweights Mark Austin (Guy) and Devon Moncrieffe (Jam) will close off the international segment in a highly anticipated 8 rounds slugfest; David Thomas and Richard Williamson will get things started in an all Guyanese super/lightweight affair over 4 rounds.
The Jamaicans were very brash and immediately enquired of the organizers if they had made provision for ambulances as these vehicles would be badly needed after their respective fights. “I’m back to complete the job I came to do when I was in Guyana to fight (Elton) Dharry,” declared Hedge. He said that unlike the Dharry bout, which he lost on points, he arrived with a bag of ammunition and he would be launching them in Marques’ direction. “I will close you off in six,’ he boasted.
Marques remained unmoved while retorting, “For your information, I am better prepared than in the Dharry fight and will be coming after you with full force.” Otherwise, Marques was reserved in speech but did warn Hedge to come prepared for the beating of his life. “I am better prepared than the Dharry encounter and at the end of this fight I will be the champion,” pronounced the defending champion.
These two will be the main attraction but the Jamaicans have said that they are hungry for victories and cannot imagine returning home empty handed. Mark Austin has different ideas and told Moncrieffe that he (Austin) has trained hard for this fight and he (Moncrieffe) will be lifted from the ring in a stretcher.
The Jamaican chuckled while admitting that he knew little of Austin. “But by the end of the first round I will know all that I want to know,” he assured. Indeed, with a 9-2 record, Moncrieffe should not be taken for granted. He said that 5 of his opponents were not around for the final bell and after tonight’s bout that number will rise to six.
Gomes and his Jamaican counterpart, Toriano Nicholas also spewed vitriol with the latter fighter promising to upkeep the tradition of his countrymen with a display that will see him emerging victorious.
The Jamaicans were not the only ones at the forum; several representatives of the corporate community, whose input has made the card a reality, were also in attendance. Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, informed that his company was supporting the venture under the Malta Supreme brand. He further wished the boxers well while imploring them to turn in good performances.
The management of Fly Jamaica Airlines also came in for kudos after that entity had donated return airline tickets to the entire Jamaican entourage. Nadine Hing represented that agency and expressed delight at being afforded the opportunity to support the card. She said her company is committed to the development of the sport and she could hardly wait for the action.
There were also other representatives of the corporate community including Marketing Manager (Courts Guy Ltd), Pernell Cummings, Digicel Manager (sponsorship and events), Gavin Hope and tourism official, Ronald Smith. These principals all expressed delight at supporting the card while assuring the organizers that their respective entities are committed to the development of boxing.
President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool said that the card is long overdue and he hoped that it is the first of many similar ventures. His Vice President, Andrew Thorne, presided over the function and said that the card allowed organizers to realize the true Caricom dream enshrined in the Treaty of Chagaramus. He also assured the Jamaicans that the officiating crew will deliver fair and just decisions.
Several other entities have contributed to the card’s success including Giftland Office Max, Guyana Revenue Authority, King’s Jewelry World and Corona. The boxers conformed to the weigh in process last night and the action gets underway at 20:00hrs sharp. A ringside seat costs $3000 while stands are $1,500.