PROFESSIONAL boxer Devon Thomas got an on-the-spot promotion from the rank of constable to that of full corporal when the Guyana Police Force’s `Night of Fights’ concluded at the Tactical Service Unit’s (TSU) tarmac on Saturday evening.Thomas, who was a constable with the GPF until Saturday evening, fought an exhibition three-round contest with Constable Rawle Smith, but the bout ended in a draw.

Thereafter, acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud announced that because of Thomas’ achievements as a professional boxer over the years that he has been serving in the GPF, he is elevated to the rank of Corporal with immediate effect.
Saturday’s night card consisted of 11 bouts including the exhibition bout between Thomas and Smith.
The winners of each of the other 10 bouts received $10 000 each along with a trophy, while the loser of each fight was rewarded with $5 000 and a trophy, all compliments of the GPF.
The GPF’s `Fight Night’ programme started a few years ago, but there were difficulties in staging it over the past two years. However, a GPF source told Chronicle Sport that the activity will become an annual one.
Among the senior officers who witnessed Saturday night’s card were: Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) David Ramnarine, Commander `A’ Division Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken, Commander `C’ Division; Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Griffith, Senior Superintendant of Police and Commander of `D’ Division Ian Amsterdam.
The GPF’s `Night of Fights’ programme was the brainchild of Acting Commissioner of Police Ramnarine and was supported by head of the GPF’s Tactical Service Unit’s head, Superintendant Errol Watts.
It was and has always been contested between ranks from the TSU and those from the Felix Austin Training School.
In results from Saturday Night’s card, Constable Bearam defeated Constable Wills in a 69kg contest, while Constable Rodrigues beat Constable Duke in a 68kg bout.
Constable Gaspar defeated Constable Warner in a 57kg bout while Constable Stephens made light work of Constable Halley in a catch-weight contest and in another catch-weight contest, Constable Evans beat Constable Harry.
Constable Marian overcame Constable Gibbons in a 67kg contest, Constable Charles destroyed Constable Moses in a 51kg contest and Constable Ridley overpowered Constable Newton in a catch-weight fight.
Meanwhile, the Best Boxer award went to Rigby who was awarded with $15 000 from the Acting Commissioner of Police, while Williams who lost his bout was adjudged the Most Exciting Fighter on the night’s card. He also received $15 000.

(By Michael DaSilva)