GBBC/GABA ProAm Fights
THE fifth stanza of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC)/Guyana Amateur Boxing Association organized ProAm Friday Night Fights punches off this Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Twenty-one (21) year old Mandessa Moses who is on a rebound path following a loss to Trinidad and Tobago’s Wendy Allen in her first professional fight last year, will be facing Margaret ‘Chico’ Walcott in a catchweight bout and signaled her intentions to maintain her dominance on the FNF, by urging her opponent ‘not to underestimate her.’

Speaking from the comfort of her home in Friendship, East Bank Demerara, the former Soesdyke High School student promises to put her best foot forward, especially with her dreams of fighting Walcott being made a reality.

“I always wanted to fight her, from the day I chose boxing over karate and for that dream to become a reality now is great for me. I am looking to put my best foot forward and at the same time, give the many fans that will turn out at the venue a treat for their money with a classical display.”

She stated that she was into boxing for the past five years after playing around with karate, which she found was not much of a challenge to her and decided to turn pro after a successful amateur record.

Vice- president of the GABA Raj Kumar had earlier told Chronicle Sport, Moses is one of the better female boxers around today, coming hot on the heels of present Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight champion Shaundell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred.

Asked to comment on such a statement, Moses said she would not do so and while she thanked Kumar for the compliment, did state that she wishes to emulate Alfred and one day become a world champion.

“For me, it is too early to judge whether or not I am in the same category as Shaundell as she is far more experienced than I am. However, for Mr Kumar to shower such a compliment is a plus, to which I wish to say thanks.

Looking at Shaundell and her achievements from the sport speaks volumes of the hard work she has put in. I have been watching tapes of Muhammad Ali from the day I decided to become a boxer and I know that nothing comes without hard work and dedication.”

She continued, “I am prepared to work hard towards achieving my aims as a boxer, with one of them being a world champion.
I have youth on my side which is another plus for me and with hard work and dedication, two things I intend to commit myself to, I know one day I will be another Guyanese female world champion in boxing, following in the footsteps of Shaundell and Gwendolyn O’ Neil.”

When quizzed on her reaction to her first loss as a professional, Moses said it was a learning experience for her, as she did not know what to expect, despite her performances in the squared circle as an amateur.

“Some may say I should not have lost that fight, but honestly, I did not know what to expect even though I had a creditable amateur record going into the fight. I told myself whether I win or lose, I will be keeping my head high as it’s a learning experience for me.

With that in mind, I came back home and trained harder while remaining focus as I told myself I would not be repeating such a mistake again. Having had my initiation (so to speak), my aim is to move upward, taking each fight with a positive attitude” stated Moses.

She did rebound from that loss, recording a unanimous decision victory over Kwinda Rogers in her ProAm debut in Berbice, followed by an authoritative knockout victory over Alicia Marques in the third stanza of the Friday Night Fights.

In fact, she dominated Marques from the opening bell that her opponent was left with a broken nose, a testimony of her domination, hence her warning to Walcott.

“I have been training hard for this fight. It is something I needed ever since I entered boxing and it is only fair, that I show just cause why I need to fight her. She may get away with her ring experience, but come Friday night, I will be leaving a lasting impression on the minds of the fans that turn up at the venue.

‘ Chico ’ Walcott needs to be aware. She should not underestimate me, as I am looking to continue in the same vain that brought me my two victories to date as a professional boxer and that is winning. Anyone who wishes to stop that will be in for a rude awakening, as I don’t intend to go down the path of losing easily.”

Moses said she is looking forward to a rematch (if given the opportunity), with Allen as she aims to justify her conscience which keeps on telling her, she can beat Allen and even do so convincingly.

With a record showing 2-1 (1ko) as a professional boxer at the tender age of 21, Mandessa Moses can certainly emulate both Alfred and O’ Neil as a world champion, but her path to such glory can be blocked by Margaret ‘Chico’ Walcott Friday night.

It’s definitely youth versus experience when the two meet in the fifth round of the GBBC/GABA ProAm Friday Night Fights this Friday.