GBBC/GABA ProAm FNF
JUDGING from the heated exchange of words that took place at the press conference, tonight’s Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC)/Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA)/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport-organised fifth ProAm Friday Night Fights can certainly be a scorching affair at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Boxing fans thronging the venue can expect a display of fistic fury when Mandessa Moses matches gloves with the experienced Margaret ‘Chico’ Walcott, even though they would not be contesting in the main bout.
In an earlier interview with Chronicle Sport, Moses asked Walcott not to underestimate her, and, judging from her last performance in the FNF where she defeated Alicia Marques, Walcott should pay heed to such words.
“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.”
“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 tonight, I will be leaving a lasting impression on the minds of the fans that turn up at the venue.
“Chico needs to be aware. She should not underestimate me, as I am looking to continue in the same vein 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.”
In her response, ‘Chico’ Walcott stated that Moses is not in her league, a definite fact, taking into consideration her epic battles against Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, but what she may not realise is what Moses lacks in experience, she makes up in guts and determination.
Another bout which can bring the crowd to their feet will be the Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers/Wilmot Hutson clash, which can serve as bragging rights for the victor, since they were both beaten by Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry, with Rogers suffering a double defeat at the hands of the US-based Guyanese.
These two do have a score to settle, as they both claimed to be the better man, despite their defeats and certainly, Rogers, who is known as the local punching bag in the sport, will be looking to have that tag removed from him with a victory.
Harsh words were exchanged between the two as Rogers promised to ‘out the lights’ of Hutson, who responded by promising to take Rogers ‘off the scene’. One thing is sure – local promoters would be lining up to have both pugilists in a rematch with Dharry, if he is interested, after tonight’s affair.
Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes is on a comeback trail after a self-imposed sabbatical from the sport and he will be matching gloves with Anthony Augustine, who in his own right, can be deemed a tough customer against any opponent locally.
Gilkes rose back to prominence after suffering an humiliating seven straight losses, with a unanimous decision win over debutant Theophilus ‘Blue’ King in the third edition of the FNF and should be expected to chalk up his second consecutive win, having last achieved such five years ago with back-to-back victories over Julian Tannis and Eusibio Chiquilla.
Augustine is yet to register a victory as a professional boxer, having lost by a unanimous decision to local heavyweight champion Orlando Rogers, a boxer all local pugilists are evading, while he was involved in a drawn encounter with Clyde Williams.
What better way for him to chalk up his first win but by defeating Gilkes, a win that can certainly earn him a rematch against Rogers on one of the FN cards later in the year.
Another scorcher on the card pits Clive Atwell matching gloves with Mark Austin, a man who had the rare opportunity of recording a victory over Atwell in the amateur ranks and is out to prove that win was not a fluke.
He has already vowed to repeat such a victory tonight, but he should to take into consideration Atwell’s stunning technical knockout victory scored over Carlton Skeete at the same venue in January of this year.
Certainly, with all the threats being sent out by the pugilists at the press conference, it would be best to have the services of both the Guyana Police Force as well as an ambulance on standby, as it will be a scorching affair tonight.