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Jul 24, 2011 Sports
Seventeenth ProAm boxing extravaganza holds the answers
By Michael Benjamin
The ProAm boxing cards return to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) this Friday July 29 and for the first time the card would see the local crème de la crème opposing their overseas counterparts in a card that is geared to climax with unbridled action.
Barbadian, Miguel Antoine has had a successful run so far, defeating Mark Austin and Shawn Pyle and has won over the hearts of local boxing buffs. On Friday, he will attempt to extend that streak when he faces Lindener, Cassius Matthews over 4 rounds.
Then there is the Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers/Selwyn Lett affair where the latter pugilist, a Barbadian, will be out to dominate the latter.
Rogers has had a torrid time in the ring for his last few bouts and he will know that he will have to come up with a victory if he is to continue in the fistic sport. He will enjoy hometown support which could be the catalyst to an improved showing but Lett will want to take counsel from, and emulate Revlon Lake who fought a strategic battle to stop Mark Austin in last month’s edition of the card. Both Lake and Antoine has shown that the Bajans are talented and are not coming for a trip. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ will do well to stock up on his best artillery since he may very well have to launch a few to stay in contention.
Then there is Anthony Augustin, also on the redemption trail and eager to reclaim a place among the local elites after making an ignominious retreat from the ring after his bout with Kurt Bess. This time around he battles Barbadian national, Julian Taniff, and he is bubbling with confidence. Augustin operates out of the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) under the tutelage George ‘Kanchi’ Oprecht and has recently indicated that his coach has used a different approach to his (Augustin) regiment. A tremendous puncher, Augustin is tipped to win this one inside the distance but the mercurial nature of the sport may very well spring some surprises.
Antoine is an exciting fighter and with back to back victories over Guyanese pugilists, he would be coming into the Matthews bout spouting confidence. The latter fighter has had a lengthy layoff from the ring after battling to a draw with Vincent Howard some four years ago. He returned and dropped a lopsided verdict to Simeon Hardy but went on to repair that damage in a subsequent fight where he outlasted Shawn Pyle thus reinstating himself as a force among his contemporaries. However, Matthews will have to be wary of Antoine especially since the Bajan is brimming with confidence following his two successes locally. Furthermore, Antoine is no slouch and can pack a punch.
Reports from Linden state that Matthews is taking the bout seriously and is diligently applying himself to his tasks. Known for his ability to box, the Lindener could pose problems for Antoine especially if he decides to box around. With a totally contrasting style Antoine could make things a little dicey for Matthews. This scenario points to an interesting battle that could titillate the crowd and flesh out to be one worth watching.
Edmond DeClou has made his name in the ProAm cards when he dished out a two fisted attack on Kwesi Jones, taking a close decision in the second encounter of their trilogy. Should DeClou manage to whip himself into a similar shape and should he enter the ring with a similar level of determination then his opponent, Joel McRae could expect a stern test. The latter pugilist trains out of the Marabella Boxing Gym, Trinidad and Tobago and feels he has an edge after engaging in qualitative sparring sessions with top Trinidadian boxer, Kurt Sinette. McRae is currently working out at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) and has had several hectic rounds with Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy. Further, one only needs to reflect on McRae’s victory over ‘Dangerous’ Denny Dalton in the June edition of the card to realize that he is indeed a force to be reckoned with. However, Dalton had been a stationary target while DeClou will be dancing and punching which will pose a different challenge for McRae. Add the fact that the Lindener has drawn first blood, winning handsomely in the initial encounter and McRae will know that he must be at his best to gain the honours.
With a record that reads 8-1-1, McRae will back himself to reverse the decision this time around. Six of his opponents have not been around for the final bell compliments of vicious punches dished out by McRae. Could he replicate these feats when faced with someone of DeClou’s caliber? McRae thinks so; DeClou does not agree with him. Fans would just have to troop to the arena to witness the action as it unfolds.
The boxers will convene at the studios of the National Communication Network (NCN) later this week where the usual exchanges of barbs and threats are hurled at each other. As the saying goes when talk is cheap anyone can buy. The boxers will have to back their chat with serious punches come Friday night.
The ProAm affair is a Guyana Boxing Board of Control initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the National Communication Network. Tickets are $1000 and $500 for adults and children respectively. Bell time is 20:00hrs.
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