BARBADOS’S World Boxing Council (WBC)/CABOFE cruiserweight champion Shawn ‘The Sniper’ Cox picked off Guyana’s cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Kurt Bess with a commanding first round knockout, to retain his title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last Saturday night.
The two were meeting in the main bout of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association and the Ministry of Sports organized 18th ProAm Guyana Fight Night.
Following a 10 seconds ‘observation’ for former Commonwealth champion the late Patrick Forde, along with ring announcer Basil Bradshaw’s introduction, the 36 year old Cox signaled his intention to retain his title when he landed a straight right hand to the face of the much taller Bess.
Not only did the punch brought Bess to life, but it also made the small gathering of spectators on hand know that the man from the Island of the Flying Fish had no intention of walking away and leaving his crown here in Guyana..
Several left hands followed shortly after  from which Bess sought refuge on the canvas within the first minute of the round, and even though he had beaten referee Eion Jardine’s count, he was back down for another count a mere 15 seconds later, courtesy of another left hand from Cox.
Having beaten Jardine’s count once again, Bess rose to his feet albeit on wobbly legs and was forced to accept numerous punches from his opponent which were unanswered and when he hit the deck for the final time at 2:10 seconds of the first round, it was all over for the Guyanese.
A concerned Cox rushed from his neutral corner to inspect the damage done to Bess who was hemorrhaging from both  nostrils while a concerned Kwesi ‘Lightening Struck Assassin’ Jones was doing his best to control his close friend and training partner.
In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Cox who moved to 15-1 with the win said he was surprised the referee did not stop the contest after the second knockdown, since it appeared to him that Bess (5-5) did not wish to continue, adding he was sorry it had to end in such a way for his opponent.
Prior to Cox’s victory, Miguel Antoine another Barbadian pugilist showed that his first victory over Guyana’s Mark Austin in February was no fluke, by pounding out a unanimous decision victory over his opponent.
Solid right hands from Antoine found its target on Austin’s body at will as Antoine who moved to 16-0-1 with the win, used his left jab to great effect against Austin (6-3-1).
Even when Austin looked to up the pace and carry the attack to Antoine in their eight round welterweight contest, he was met by his opponent’s sturdy right hand which after finding its mark, forced him (Austin) to clinch as a means of reprieve.
Orlon ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers gained a unanimous decision over Ryan Ali, a late replacement for United States based Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry, who was declared medically unfit to take the ring for his scheduled four rounds contest against Rogers.
The first professional fight between Prince Slowe , who was making his debut, and Hewley Robertson saw both fighters being disqualified by referee Dexter Torrington in the third round for lack of inactiveness, following an earlier warning from the man in charge.
In the amateur segment of the night’s action, Jamal Eastman, Richard Williamson, Ron Smith and Laurel Stewart chalked up victories over Elijah Inshanally, Delon Charles, Romeo Norville and Travis Fraser respectively, with Stewart forcing the referee to stop his contest at 1:25 of the second round.
All the amateur boxers were presented with a hamper by Courts (Guyana) Limited and while the first professional bout which followed the half time entertainment from the X-Factor Dance troupe was a dull affair, the main bout ensured the tongues of those who witnessed same were wagging uncontrollably.