Latest update March 5th, 2026 12:35 AM
“I respect him, but I have to discipline him”- says veteran boxer Marques ahead of upcoming March 28 Fight Night
IBO/GBBC March 28 Fight Night at Pegasus Suites…
Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle (far right) alongside fighters Dexter Marques and Keevin Allicock, GBBC president Peter Abdool, Pegasus Director Brandon Badal and GBBC Vice-president Joshua Abdool.
– “Dexter will be lying flat on his face” Allicock promises
By Clifton Ross
Kaieteur Sports – Pre-fight banter got underway yesterday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, where local headliners Keevin Allicock and Dexter Marques signalled their respective intentions ahead of the super-stacked March 28 International Boxing Organization (IBO)/Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Fight Card hosted in Guyana.
The card will be headlined by the USA based Elton Dharry, who will be seeking to bring home the title while adding to his current professional career record of 30-6-1; with 17 of his wins coming in the form of KO’s.
From a challenge perspective, the 22-year-old African Salmin Kassim, will have more to prove as he looks to move up the ranks and also improve his still young record of 10-0-2.
Keevin Allicock (L) and Dexter Marques (R) during yesterday’s mini showdown ahead of their upcoming title fight.
The two will trade blows for the Super Bantamweight World Championship in the main bout, following the GBBC getting the Green Light from the IBO.
But following Wednesday’s press conference held at the Pegasus Suites, home of the upcoming fight, GBBC boss Peter Abdool, touted another encounter as one which could steal the evening, given the matchup.
Wily veteran “De Kid” Marques and young sensation Allicock ensured yesterday’s conference was filled with enough back and forth banter, that on Fight Night fans should expect a hard-hitting war between the two Guyanese for the Featherweight championship.
Allicock, an Olympian who represented Guyana at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the featherweight division and 4-time Caribbean gold medalist winning in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2025, said this match will be his defining moment.
“This is where Keevin Allicock takes over. I’m letting everyone know this is serious business, come March, Dexter will be lying flat on his face,” said the Olympian.
Continuing his pre-match jawing, Allicock warned his more seasoned opponent that fight night will be an all out assault.
“I can punish him first and knock him out after or knock him out early; the ball is in his court, when lightning strikes, it only happens once”, said the Caribbean Gold Medalist.
Responding to an overly-confident opponent, Marques with 19 wins and 5 losses took a more old school approach, by cautioning the younger Allicock ahead of their encounter.
“I want to thank Keevin for making the step from boy to man. It’s a different time between Amateur and Professional but he called me out and I respect him but I have to discipline him”, explained the former CABOFE Flyweight Champion.
Marques, who went Pro back in 2007, said the fight will be a true test of skills, especially between the contrasting timelines; but believes the inexperience of Allicock could be something which plays against him when faced with a more veteran fighter.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s conference also broke down some logistics, a few words from National Sports Commission (NSC) Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, GBBC executives, Pegasus General Manager Carlos Montenegro to name a few.
Ninvalle, who is also the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) president, spoke on the importance of this event.
He explained how pro and amateur boxing is basically a mirrored reflection because they are both one in the same and as a result, if emphasis is not placed on the two; the only entities to suffer will be the boxers.
Ninvalle confirmed that 2 overseas opponents will be on the card, noting that boxing has seen an exciting time lately, while hinting that within the two months the first gym is set to open in Berbice; another aspect of the Sport’s continued growth.
Tickets for the event, according to Abdool, will go on sale from Monday at the hotel’s lobby area. The fight which will be hosted at the hotel, will have an international feel with the set-up being mainly ring-side oriented with VIP and VVIP areas also set to encompass what will be one of the biggest fights of the year.
Abdool promised a strong amateur and professional fight card while hinting at the event being broadcasted here in Guyana and as far as to the people in Tanzania, who will be able to support their home boy Kassim.
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