Latest update March 12th, 2026 9:56 PM
Dharry’s world title dream delayed!
…IBO Super Bantamweight clash with Tanzania’s Salmin Kassim shifts to March 28
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Elton “The Bully” Dharry will have to wait a little longer to fulfil his long-held promise of delivering a world boxing title to Guyana, after the International Boxing Organization (IBO) officially approved a technically required extension for the staging of its Super Bantamweight World Championship contest.
According to information from the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), the previously announced February 15 showdown between Dharry and Tanzania’s Salmin Kassim has now been rescheduled for March 28.
Guyana’s Elton Dharry will have to wait a little longer to add a world title to his collection.
The bout will still be held at the Pegasus International Hotel, ensuring continuity for what is shaping up to be one of the most significant nights in Guyanese boxing history.
The GBBC confirmed that all other components of the event, including the highly anticipated undercard, will remain unchanged.
The Board also expressed its gratitude to the IBO, Pegasus International Hotel, the Ministry of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Comfort Sleep, and Star Party Rentals for their continued support.
In a statement, the GBBC thanked its partners for “ensuring that we are able to bring this international world title event to Guyana and to boxing audiences across the world,” underscoring the collaborative effort behind the landmark card.
March 28 now looms as a potentially historic date for Guyanese boxing, particularly if Dharry has his way.
The veteran pugilist will step into the ring carrying not only his personal ambition, but also the hopes of a proud, boxing-loving nation eager to see a Guyanese world champion crowned on local soil.
Standing in his path is a confident, flamboyant and highly ambitious 22-year-old Salmin Kassim, one of Tanzania’s rising boxing prospects. Kassim has been vocal about his intentions, making it clear that he plans to leave Guyana with the IBO Super Bantamweight World Title firmly in his possession.
Salmin Kassim is considered one of Africa’s brightest prospects.
Both fighters have already expressed unwavering confidence and deep patriotism, each pledging to dedicate the coveted IBO belt to their respective countries.
Their declarations have set the tone for a compelling clash and one that pits experience against youth, resilience against ambition, and Guyana against Tanzania.
For Dharry, now 40, the bout represents a second opportunity at world championship glory. His first came against Australia’s Andrew Moloney for the WBA Super Flyweight World Title, a contest that ended controversially and remains a frequent point of discussion whenever his career is reviewed.
This time, Dharry will compete five to seven pounds above his customary weight class, a challenge he has accepted without hesitation. The move reflects both his confidence and his determination to seize what could be his defining moment.
The title shot comes amid a resurgence in form for the Guyanese boxer. Earlier this year, Dharry recorded a convincing unanimous decision victory over Roger Saldana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, a performance that reaffirmed his sharpness and belief.
He enters the IBO showdown riding a six-fight winning streak, during which he captured the WBC International Super Flyweight title and the WBA Super Flyweight Gold belt.
Dharry brings a battle-tested résumé into the contest, boasting a professional record of 30 wins, 17 by knockout, against six losses.
While he concedes an 18-year age gap to Kassim, the Guyanese veteran remains unfazed, pointing instead to his experience, ring intelligence and durability honed over nearly two decades in the professional ranks.
Kassim, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising young fighters. Unbeaten in 12 professional bouts, with a record of 10 wins and two draws, he arrives in Guyana brimming with confidence following a second-round knockout victory on December 10 in Tanzania.
GBBC President Peter Abdool has described the March 28 card as a historic occasion, noting that Dharry will become the first male Guyanese boxer to contest a world title on home soil.
The event also marks the first IBO-sanctioned fight card ever staged in Guyana.
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