WIBA bantamweight cham-pion Shondell Alfred feels disrespected because of the way she is being treated by promoter Odinga Lumumba after the third postponement of her world title rematch against Corinne Van Ryck De Groot.
Alfred, known as the ‘Mystery Lady’ also stated that Lumumba should not treat this world title event as a “jokey thing”.
She pointed out that nothing was said to her about the postponement until Monday. Alfred also believes that she was only told by president of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool on Monday because an article had appeared in this newspaper on Sunday stating that the fight had been pushed to June 5.
“This is business, people have to be more professional about the way they do things. I feel disrespected that I am being treated this way because I am the champion and I live right here,” Alfred steamed.
Alfred, who was evidently worked up, said she feels like quitting and forfeiting her mandatory defence, which has been tainted by controversy ever since the first result was announced last September.
Guyana’s lone title holder at the moment said that she has trained tirelessly for the fight and it is disheartening that after three postponements the behaviour of the persons in charge of the fight has not changed. “I will not be training if I don’t get the 20% (of the amount of the purse) that was promised to me by Lumumba. I was training very hard for this fight and for it to come off on May 22. I just want to quit and give up this whole thing; they have to look at this thing from the boxers’ perspective. It is very frustrating to train so hard and then the fight is postponed,” an irate Alfred said.
Alfred added also that even if the money is doled out by Lumumba, he will have to draft a new contract or she will not be fighting on June 5.
However, this publication was told by Lumumba and promoter of the ‘Deadly’ Denny Dalton and Hector ‘Machito’ Camacho Jr bout scheduled for the same night at the Princess Hotel, that they have entered into talks to have the two fights on the same card. However, nothing has been put in writing concerning the verbal commitments. When Stabroek Sport sought to solicit a comment from Lumumba yesterday he finally said that he was in a meeting. Calls to Abdool’s office also proved futile.
When Stabroek Sport contacted De Groot yesterday, via email, she said that she was disappointed that the fight had been postponed again, more particularly since she too has been preparing assiduously for the rematch.
“I am disappointed about the postponement of the fight. Training for a fight requires extreme discipline and takes quite a toll on the fighter mentally, physically and spiritually. I love the challenge of the fight, the process of the preparation and the journey,” the ‘Sexy Panther’ said.
When this newspaper enquired about the dealings of Lumumba she said “I prefer not to speak about Odinga. Remember what your mother always says.” She went on to add, “I don’t appreciate signing a contract with the same promoter on two different occasions and experiencing such a lack of commitment, consideration and business ethics.”
On the other hand, De Groot stated that she has been treating her body well and doing the appropriate things to take care of her body “in lieu of the postponement.”
Further, she indicated that her determination has not wavered with regard to her taking the world title from Alfred.
“Winning this world title and beating Shondell is what I am about. Why shouldn’t I? This is my job as a fighter as it is any fighter’s job to win and to win convincingly. There is no other thought in my mind.
“Any legitimate fighter who steps in the ring must only have the objective of winning. I work hard everyday and it doesn’t matter what circumstances may occur. Everything is always in God’s timing so I agree in my spirit and move forward. I live everyday in the present moment and prepare for the future,” the Canadian said.
Meanwhile, De Groot is preparing to shoot a new movie in June but she revealed that she has spoken with the director and producers and they have struck a deal to allow time for the release in view of the June 5 bout.
“My main focus right now is fighting this fight. I am preparing above and beyond my own expectations and will execute and fulfil this dream on June 5,” the challenger declared.