Guyana may get its fifth male world champion in time for this year’s Republic celebrations which will be held under the theme, “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind.”
Undefeated Brooklyn, USA-based world-rated Super Middleweight boxer Lennox “2 Sharp” Allen (21-0-1, 14KOs) is set to step into the ‘square jungle’ against undefeated American Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (28-1, 14KOs) on February 15 at the Grand Casino Hinckley in Minnesota, USA for the Interim World Boxing Association Super Middleweight Title.
The skillful, hard-hitting southpaw, who last entered the ring on July 21 last year and came out with a TKO win over veteran Willis Lockett was beaming with confidence in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
“It’s been a long wait but I finally get my opportunity to become Guyana’s fifth World Champion and I intend to do this for my country, “ the former West Front Road resident said. “I wish to thank my hard-working team for making this possible; my trainer Aureliano Sosa, my manager Steven Heid and my promoter Lou Dibella. This opportunity also could not have been possible without the initial investment of my former manager Carwyn Holland who is now my advisor and close friend. I started my professional career with him and I am happy to see that he is still around me as my dream comes through. Special thanks also to my former coach Seibert Blake and the many supporters and people who assisted me in the earlier days back home. I must also give a special note of thanks to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, whom I met for the first time in 2015 and ever since he has been encouraging me,” Allen explained.
In an invited comment, Allen’s advisor Holland said this is an opportunity of a lifetime for the slick southpaw whom he is sure will lift the WBA interim title. He said that this will not be an easy fight for Allen, but added that he (Allen) has the tools to get the job done. Holland also called on the government and people of Guyana to rally behind the rising star who will surely ease some of the tensions being felt at home when he lifts the crown.
Director of Sport, Jones, said he was elated with the good news which will surely be encouraging for professional boxing in Guyana. He added that he was honoured to receive a request from Allen to be at ringside on the night of the fight and is looking forward to celebrate with the son of the soil.
Several Guyanese at home and abroad have signaled their intention to travel to Minnesota in support of the boxer and are planning a victory celebration for New York and a Mashramani homecoming on February 23, should Allen land the coveted title.
