Popular Guyanese boxing referee/judge Eion Jardine will officiate in the world title fight between Trinidad’s Giselle Salandy and Yahaira Hernandez of the Dominican Republic tomorrow night in the twin-island republic. Also fighting on the card will be Guyanese Shawn Corbin and undefeated Barbadian Shawn Cox .
Cruiserweight Cox will face Guyanese Troy Williams while light heavyweight Corbin faces another Guyanese in Leon Gilkes. The fights will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
In the main event, multiple world champion Salandy puts her titles on the line against Hernandez, of the Dominican Republic. Salandy is unbeaten in 16 fights with eight knockouts and holds a plethora of international light middleweight titles, including the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) titles.
Former amateur standout Cox, boasting a ring record of 6-0 with six knockouts since turning pro 15 months ago, is expected to continue his winning streak against little-known Williams.
Corbin is on the rebound after suffering his first pro defeat – to world-rated Panamanian Tito Mendoza – in April last year.
With a record of 10 wins (six knockouts) against one loss, Corbin has won two in a row since that loss to Mendoza and he is favoured to win against Gilkes, who he has already beaten.
In a women’s bout, unbeaten New York-based Trinidadian heavyweight Tanslie Daniel will face Guyana’s Andrea Duncan.
Meanwhile, Salandy is anxious to deliver another winning performance in front of her home fans as she confronts Hernandez.
“I am physically fit and ready,” Salandy told CMC Sport on Tuesday.
“This fight is very important to me because I know that it will set up further openings for next year and (my manager) Boxu Potts and I, we have big plans for next year,” Salandy added.
Hernandez also boasts a sturdy record of 10 wins (5 knockouts) against two losses.