SOME persons find themselves in unfamiliar positions and conditions when receiving news of importance and for Guyana’s 2010 Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year and Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight champion Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred, it was no different.
The 28-year-old Alfred was involved in a motor vehicle accident, where she suffered minor abrasions to her body when she received news of being named the National Sports Council’s (NSC) Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year on Friday  February 11.
“First of all, I was not looking forward to winning the award this year. For me, my best chance of landing it was last year but unfortunately, Nicolette Fernandes got the nod, but thank God I landed it this year, even though the news was relayed to me while I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and I was in pain.”
Alfred rose to prominence when she scored a unanimous decision victory over Corrine Van Ryck De Groot back in September 2009 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) to take her victim’s WIBA bantamweight title.
Not satisfied with her defeat, De Groot used her rematch clause and faced Alfred in the main supporting bout of Bris ‘O’ Promotions ‘Deadly Encounters’ which was staged at the Princess Hotel. Denny Dalton took on Hector Camacho Jr on that same card.
This time around, Alfred did not leave it to the judges, since she scored a stunning fourth round knockout, which left De Groot bewildered in the presence of His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo and many boxing pundits and enthusiasts.
One day shy of five months later,  Colombia’s Olga Julio lost a six-round encounter to Alfred at the same venue, as the Guyanese female pugilist proved Julio’s pre-fight statements null and void.
“Certainly, last year was a fantastic year for me, capped by the victory scored over Corrine in the rematch, since she felt she had defeated me in the first fight. With that match, I wanted to win to show the public the first victory was no fluke as claimed by Corrine, but I never expected to knock her out like that,” said Alfred.
Not only was Alfred voted Guyana’s Senior Sportswoman-of-the-Year, but she also was named the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Professional Boxer-of-the-Year (Female), when that entity held its first annual awards ceremony at the Georgetown Club last Friday.
“I never dreamt of winning such an award and having done so, I would like to say thanks to the GBBC and its president who, to my mind, has been doing a wonderful job when it comes to boxing in Guyana, especially with the organising of the Friday Night Fights (FNF), along with the award ceremony.”
She continued, “I feel this move will give boxers something to look forward to at the end of the year. Most athletes, not only in boxing look forward to their respective associations to honour them once their performance has been creditable and gestures such as awards ceremonies serve not only as a confidence-booster to the athlete, but also the respective sport.
“Being named the Female Boxer-of-the-Year ahead of other boxers such as Guyana’s first female world champion Gwendolyn O’Neil is a good experience for me, since I thought Gwendolyn would have won it, but at the same time, it tells me the little things you do are highly appreciated by those in authority.”
The easy-going mother of one, who describes her three-year-old son as her biggest fan, loves sport and is highly appreciative of her family, especially her mom and dad, along with her better half who gives her lots of support going into any fight.
“First of all, I could not have done it without God who has blessed me with the talent I possess, so I would like to say heartfelt thanks to Him. Then my parents who have given me lots of support, my fans and most importantly, my first unofficial world title in my three-year-old son Camron Alfred, who is and will always, be my biggest fan.
Special thanks also to my coaches Siebert Blake, Wencell Thomas and Joseph Murray who took me through my training irrespective of the weather, the GBBC and its executives, Seon Bristol, Courts (Guyana) Inc. and Royal Castle for their support.
“I would also like to say thanks to Carwyn Holland, who saw championship material in me and give me the opportunity to fight Corrine the first time for the title,” stated Alfred.
Alfred will commence her preparations shortly for a bout against an opponent who is yet to be named on Bris ‘O’ ‘Night of Champions’ that is scheduled for the Princess Hotel on April 23, where according to the boxing website www.boxrec.com, the WIBA’s super flyweight title is up for grabs.