Fraser looking to redeem himself tonight
HAVING lost out to Kurt Bess in his bid to claim the World Boxing Council/Caribbean Boxing Federation heavyweight title, in the April edition of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC)/Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) ProAm Friday Night Fights in Linden, Barbados-based Guyanese Cleveland Fraser should be looking to redeem himself tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
He faces national light heavyweight champion Kwesi ‘Lightning Assassin’ Jones over 12 rounds in the main feature of tonight’s card, the 17th edition of the FNF which is the brainchild of GBBC president Peter Abdool, with Jones placing his title on the line.
In an earlier interview with Chronicle Sport, Jones said Fraser, who was knocked out in the fourth round by Bess, is no threat to him, since he found it difficult to get past Bess.
“If he can recall, Bess told him prior to their fight, that he needs to get past him to get at me and unfortunately for Fraser, Bess stopped him in the fourth round, but he still got his matchup against me and certainly I will teach him a boxing lesson tonight.
“To me, he is not a threat. I have fought better fighters than him, including Lennox Allen and I am the rightful owner of the national light heavyweight title, as I won it fair and square when I knocked out Leon Gilkes in March,” said Jones.
He added, “Anybody who wishes to challenge me for this title has to come good, as he will be looking for problems. I am Guyana’s light heavyweight champion and I have no intentions to give up that title so easily, and with Fraser saying I am keeping the belt for him since it belongs to him, well, let’s see him try and take it away from me, if he thinks he can do so.”
Fraser was tightlipped on responding to Jones’ remarks at the press conference held in the studios of the National Communications Network on Wednesday, and if one can go by the old adage which says ‘easy snake does bite hot,’ then boxing enthusiasts can anticipate a war tonight.
Even Abdool himself anticipates an exciting and enthralling night from the pugilists on show, saying the monthly card has brought joy to the fans while the records of the boxers have improved even as they gain experience and exposure against foreign opponents.
Other fights on the card will see Revlon Lake, another Barbados-based Guyanese pugilist, take on Cecil Smith in a catchweight four-round clash to start off the professional side of things, followed by the Ray Sandiford/Gordel Roberts in a junior lightweight encounter.
Preceding the Jones/Fraser matchup would be the third clash between female catchweight Pauline London and Veronica Blackman.
Prior to this meeting, Blackman met and defeated London twice in the space of three months earlier this year and certainly knows what it takes to get past her opponent who is looking to chalk up victory number one tonight.
Meanwhile, Abdool urged the boxers to train diligently because he is currently negotiating with several Mexican fighters who are all CABOFE title holders, to match gloves with their local counterparts in the not-too-distant future.
According to the GBBC president, these fighters may comprise a major card, following the successful hosting of RAMPAGE which saw Bess knock out Mitchell Rogers in the fourth round to take the national heavyweight title.
Prior to the professional boxers taking centre stage for tonight’s card, four amateur bouts, compliments of the GABA, will punch things off at 20:00hrs.
Nandkumar Singh, who has been a crowd favourite following his exploits in last year’s GABA’s national championships, makes a return to the ring where he faces Marlon Darrel, while ALBA Games bronze medallist Imran ‘Magic’ Khan will take on Richard Williamson, Romel Rowley will oppose Akeem Daniels and Eon Bancroft will match gloves with Kelsie George.
Admission to the venue is $1 000 for adults and $500 for children, while NCN will do a live broadcast of all the night’s activities for those who are unable to make it to the venue.