WBF Caribbean heavyweight champ Mitchell Rogers prepares for world title engagement

Jul 18, 2015 Sports

By Michael Benjamin

It’s been just over a month ago that former local heavyweight champion, Mitchell Rogers, emerged from a two years hiatus from the boxing ring to carve out a unanimous decision over Trinidadian, Kirston Manswell, when the two faced off in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago last June 19. For his efforts, Mitchell was handsomely rewarded with the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Caribbean heavyweight title and a commitment by the WBF bigwigs of a world title fight in the very near future.
Muscular and imposing, Mitchell said that he has clinched a lucrative rating among the top ten WBF heavyweights and will soon face off with a yet to be identified opponent for the vacant WBF Heavyweight title shortly.
Kaieteur Sport caught up with Mitchell at his recently constructed house in Parfait Harmony and he said that he is engaged in light training while he awaits the final word on the bout. He said that he is not sure who his opponent will be but he is confident of winning the prestigious accolade. “After the last fight (with Kirston Manswell), I realized that I have what it takes to mesh with the big boys and I feel rejuvenated and confident of getting my career back on track,” proclaimed Mitchell.
A former local heavyweight champion, after defeating Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes, Mitchell had surrendered his belt to another of his countrymen, Kurt Bess shortly before his lengthy hiatus. However, Mitchell’s absence from the ring did not necessarily translate to an absence from the sport. He disclosed that he had spent much time in the gym while reorganizing his career and reasserting himself. “So really, the Manswell bout did not present many problems for me as I was only required to intensify training,” assured Rogers when quizzed on his preparedness for the bout.
Rogers has suffered three losses, twice to Kurt Bess and once to Manswell, a loss that he has since avenged. He nurtures similar thoughts of reversing the loss to Bess but said that for the time being that will be placed on the back burner to facilitate the impending world title fight.
Mitchell said that his absence from the ring has given him the opportunity for introspection. He said that he has since adapted a different perspective of the sport. “My first outlook of the sport was slanted to accept that the boxer with the most punches stood the better chance of winning the fight but now I realize that psychology plays an important part of the plan,” admits Rogers.
Amidst it all, Rogers is peeved that he was unable to acquire a taped copy of the (Manswell) bout. He said that he left Trinidad the very next day and was unable to pick up a promised tape of the fight. “I would have liked for my fans to see the fight and judge my performance and see how much I’ve improved,” said Rogers.
At 35 years old Mitchell envisions himself in the ring for another five years. During that time he intends to win as many titles as possible but said that his focus is currently on winning the world title. “I am more matured and realize that the world title goal is achievable,” said Mitchell. He said that despite clinching a unanimous verdict over Manswell, he is aware of the Trinidadian’s ability. “And so, despite winning the bout I decided to take no chances as he was a dangerous customer,” said Mitchell.
He admits that there are limitations to his ambitions and key among them is the absence of adequate corporate assistance. “Preparation for title fights is extremely demanding and the paucity of sponsorship is crippling,” said Mitchell. He intends to ventilate this avenue for the impending bout and is optimistic of receiving support.
Mitchell is thankful for the support received from several individuals and singled out popular promoter, Keith Bazilio, whose input has been the lynchpin of his career. The late world rater, Andrew Murray, also received kudos for his role in Mitchell’s career as his coach, Sebert Blake.
A former employee of Banks DIH Ltd, Mitchell said that he is also grateful to those administers for their support during his tenure at that organization.
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool, also came in for high praise as Mitchell feels his support has been the catalyst to his (Mitchell’s) career. “I would forever be grateful to these people and as compensation I intend to bring home the world title when the opportunity presents itself,” he asserts. The boxing strongman has now chalked up 10 wins from 13 fights and is adamant that his losing days are a thing of the past.

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WBF Caribbean heavyweight champ Mitchell Rogers prepares for world title engagement

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