A two years hiatus from the boxing ring would affect the performance of many a boxer but former local heavyweight champion, Mitchell Rogers, defied conventional wisdom, and after a two years layoff, rebounded with a unanimous decision over Trinidadian, Kirston Manswell, when the two faced off in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, last Friday evening.
Mitchell Rogers
The fight was the main attraction of a card on the Floyd Trumpet’s Promotions and lasted the full twelve rounds. However, reports out of the Twin Island Republic stated that Manswell was a tough customer and survived knockdowns in the 11th and 12th rounds. The win earned Rogers the World Boxing Federation Caribbean heavyweight title but most importantly, placed him on a pedestal to launch unto the international scene.
Shortly after the bout, an overjoyed Mitchell said it was nice being back in the ring. His previous fight had been a winning effort against his countryman, Anthony Augustin but he has already surrendered his local heavyweight belt, won from Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes, to another of his countrymen, Kurt Bess.
Commenting on the fight, Rogers said that though he was out of the ring he had been attending the gym and staying fit. He said that he was placed on stand-by and the fight was only confirmed a mere two weeks before fight night. “But I was mentally prepared and only needed to refocus on the fight itself,” explained Rogers. He also said that his spirit has been invigorated and he intends to be in the gym regularly for upcoming bouts.
“I have been assured of regular fights now that I’ve won this belt and I intend to take full advantage,” said Mitchell. He has now chalked up 10 wins from 13 fights and in looking forward to his next engagement within the next 4 months.