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Mark Austin collapses moments before his bout with Dexter Gonsalves
GBBC President, Peter Abdool, orders investigation
Although boxing officials are working assiduously to curtail injury and death in boxing, there is no absolute guarantee that such efforts are sufficient. This reality was forcefully driven home last Saturday evening when local jnr/welterweight pugilist, Mark Austin, was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital after he collapsed in the dressing room less than fifteen minutes before his scheduled bout.
Mark Austin
It was later discovered that Austin, who was scheduled to face Dexter Gonsalves in an 8 rounds jnr/welterweight scrap, mysteriously collapsed in the dressing room. Sources revealed that Austin had experienced problems making the required weight one day earlier and swallowed a tablet (we were unable to confirm the exact medication) to assist him in shedding the excessive poundage.
When this reporter visited Austin in the dressing room, he was lying with his eyes shut, still feeling the ill effects of his actions while GBBC Nurse, Patricia Green, who had rushed to his assistance, was engaged in preliminary checks. She said that Austin’s temperature, which should have read around 110/60, had shot up to an alarming 140/90. She decided to act immediately and ordered a more thorough evaluation. The stricken boxer was then whisked away to the Public Hospital Georgetown for a more thorough analysis and treatment.
Austin’s coach, George Oprecht, said that he was not a part of the Austin’s decision to take the pill and only learnt of it when his charge complained of feeling unwell before collapsing in the dressing room. He was aghast that something like this could have happened under his watch devoid of his knowledge.
When contacted, President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool confirmed knowledge of the incident and said that he has ordered an investigation. He said that several theories have been swirling around, some of them suggesting the use of illicit substance.
However, the GBBC boss said that he will desist from listening to those rumours and await a report from the investigating team.
Board officials have also withheld Austin’s purse and said that if there is any confirmation of wrong doing, the Board will impose serious sanctions. Kaieteur News will keep tabs on ensuing developments.
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