With Barbadian knockout specialist Shawn ‘The Sniper’ Cox’s birthday 9 days away, he is not entertaining the thought of losing against Guyana’s destructive force Kurt ‘The Sledgehammer’ Bess when the two clash tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Cox, 36, will be defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) CABOFE cruiserweight title.
He views the date December 26 as his talisman and said Bess will not rain on his parade.
The chiselled Barbadian, who has a devastating record of 13 KOs from his 14 victories with one blemish, has also predicted a knockout.
He told Stabroek Sport following Thursday’s press conference at the National Communications Network, that he has prepared for 12 rounds but said the fight can end within two rounds with Bess on the canvas. He has called on Bess “to come really good because I train to beat the best.”
Cox, whose stance is southpaw, revealed that he has been doing leg work that will ensure his stamina holds up for 12 rounds.
When Stabroek Sport spoke with Bess, whose technique has undergone some unflattering scrutiny in the past, he maintained that his technique has undergone a lot of changes and on fight night boxing buffs will be able to judge for themselves.
He steered clear of making any predictions but stated that he was confident of a victory.
Guyanese Mark Austin, who will be involved in an eight-round welterweight contest with Barbadian Miguel ‘Hands of Steel’ Antoine, said that he is well prepared for the bout.
He said that when the two first met he was inexperienced and he gave up a decision but this time the result will tell a different tale.
While he has confidence in his ability he will be leaving everything to God, saying that the “Barbadians will not be taking away anything back home.”Antoine on the other hand, said that he has “faith in his skill, ability and talent” and he predicts the end of the fight at the end of the fourth frame. He said that while Austin is a talented boxer he is more experienced and the better of the two and therefore Austin should be prepared to accept his place at xPort Canvas’.
WBC CABOFE bantamweight champion, USA-based Guyanese Elton ^Coolie Bully’ Dharry, who is being part sponsored by Princess Hotel, Hibiscus and Seon Bristol, will face journeyman Orlan ^Pocket Rocket’ Rogers in a four-round bantamweight fight while Prince Slowe will make his professional debut against
Hewley Robertson in another four-round bantamweight bout.Boxing buffs are reminded that the card will not be televised live but there will be a delayed broadcast one week later on NCN Channel 11.
As a special attraction two lucky ticket holders will win a trip to Trinidad and Tobago.
The monthly card is an initiative of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in collaboration with the Sports Ministry and NCN.
Sponsors of the event include Digicel, Giftland Office Max, GuyOil, Courts, Banks DIH Limited and Ansa McAl.
Admission is $1,000 while children will pay half price. Bell time is 20:00 hrs.
