By Marlon Munroe
Following three postponements Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) President Ryan Wissow and head of BrisO Promotions Seon Bristol are looking to appease fight fans that the eagerly anticipated rematch between Corrinne `Sexy Panther’ Van Ryck De Groot and Shondell `Mystery Lady’ Alfred will come off next month.
The fight is billed to take place June 5 at the Princess Hotel and contacted yesterday by Stabroek Sport, Wissow, expressed his disappointment over the botched attempt at hosting the rematch by initial promoter of the fight Odinga Lumumba.
He also stated that he was impressed with the work ethics of current promoter Bristol.
According to Wissow, Bristol, head of BrisO Promotions, is working out the “small details” with the governing body.
And, as if to satisfy the fans further, Wissow disclosed that he will be in Guyana to ensure that all aspects of the fight go well.
The co-founder of WIBA is also hoping that nothing goes awry days before the fight especially since he believes that the rematch has been stalled long enough.
Bristol, contacted yesterday, said that all was set for fight night.
He acknowledged that the boxers might have been frustrated given all the pre fight drama but said he has urged them to give of their best.
He also indicated that the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) will ensure that the contracts are distributed to the boxers and verify the contractual arrangements for the boxers and the promoter. He also said that the previous arrangements stipulated in the purse bid which Lumumba had won, will still stand.
The purse for the fight is US$9000 and Guyanese champion Alfred will receive 60% of the bacon and De Groot the remaining 40%.
Bristol, who says he will be in Guyana on Thursday, also said that the rest of the card had been finalized. Guyanese ‘Deadly’ Denny Dalton will headline the night’s proceedings against Puerto Rico’s Hector ‘Machito’ Camacho Jr. for the vacant World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental middleweight title. And, Guyana’s first female world champion Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil will oppose compatriot Veronica Blackman for the vacant WIBA heavyweight title of the world.
Bristol emphasised that Camacho Jr. and O’Neil will be receiving the hog of the purses since they are the bigger names in the divisions.
WIBA bantamweight champion Alfred said that she has seen her contract and her corner was satisfied with the conditions specified in it. She told Stabroek Sport that she has welcomed the prospect of working with the New York-based promoter.
Alfred says her only focus at the moment is preparing for her fight and staying focussed in the process.
