Brimming with confidence, ‘Stealth Bomber’ Gwendolyn O’ Neil has already claimed the vacant Light Heavyweight Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) title belt as hers.
At a press conference yesterday at the fight venue at Princess International Hotel and Casino, O’Neil glanced at the title belt and firmly declared it to be hers.
O’Neil said that she was grateful to God for this addition to her accolades, giving no indication that she could possibly not wear that belt.
She said that she was still waiting to see her contender and was beginning to wonder if fear had sent her adversary into hiding.
Veronica Blackman, who was not present at the press conference, when later contacted rejected any thought that she could be intimidated by the “Stealth Bomber”.
Blackman boldly stated that if O’Neil was going to “bring it” she had better bring it good because she, Blackman, will be a force to be reckoned with.
Blackman’s coach, Sebert Blake, then expressed his full confidence in his fighter, matching O’Neil’s brashness.
Blake stated that after this fight “when and not if” Blackman wins, they will be looking to defend the title and will fight anyone who thinks they stand a chance against Blackman.
The title at stake is currently held by Vonda Ward, but according to WIBA president, Ryan Wissow, the “All-American Girl” is faced with health problems, and with her being on the verge of retirement the WIBA has deemed the title vacant and decided to give the two Guyanese fighters the chance to fight for it.
O’Neil had previously won the title in May 2004 and she held it for four months before being defeated by Laila Ali.
However an eager O’Neil is determined to once again take ownership of the belt.
O’Neil since her career debut in July 1999 boasts 14 wins from 21 fights, including a victory in her last fight against Sharon Ward in January this year.
Meanwhile, since Blackman began her career in December 2004 she has recorded seven fights with three wins.
O’Neil and Blackman will face off tomorrow in a poolside fight at the Princess Hotel as part of the “Deadly Encounters” Championship Boxing event.
Also scheduled on the night’s fight card is the feature event between Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr. and “Deadly” Denny Dalton who will be contending to determine the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Middleweight Champion.
