The Panamanian combatants, Orlando Penalba and Gilberto Pedroza invaded these shores on Tuesday for the ‘Road To Redemption’ fight card Saturday at the National Stadium.
While they received a warm and hospitable Guyanese welcome, Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., stated that the friendliness ends when they enter the squared circle.
The undefeated Penalba is scheduled to face Elton Dharry in the feature event of the evening. Dharry who has large fan base in Guyana, will fight for the spoils of the WBC International super flyweight title. Pedroza will take on Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques in the co-main event for the WBC flyweight Silver belt.
“It is my pleasure to have you all here and my country welcomes you but remember that only two winners will emerge from this magnificent event and of course our entire country will be out there supporting Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques,” said Minister Ramson Jr.
Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle explained that it was important for the public to know that the fighters were in the country and ready to fight.
“There will be no excuses or cancellation of these WBC International title fights, they are here and ready to go to battle.”“
Speaking with confidence, the undefeated Penalba stared down Dharry and boldly predicted that he would return home with the spoils and his record unblemished.
“I am a sergeant in our military and when I fight I fight to win.”
Dharry, meanwhile quietly predicted that this would be a tough fight but one that his experience and strength would make him emerge victorious.
“I’m not going to disappoint my thousands of fans and fellow Guyanese on Saturday at the Stadium.”
The event which has an international flavour with a blend of talented youth and experience will see the return of Imran ‘Magic’ Khan, James Walcott, Laured Stewart and Romeo Norville.
Also, debutants, Stephen Da Silva and Richard James will match gloves in a lightweight four-rounder.
Khan will take on Anthony Narine in a six-round middleweight bout while Walcott will lace it up against James Moore in a four-round light heavyweight fight.
Stewart will battle Norville in a four-round light heavyweight scrap.
The card will be broadcast locally and internationally according to the head of NCN, Neaz Subhan.
In addition to the packed action in the ring, there will be a halftime show put on by HJ Entertainment featuring top local artistes and dance to showcase Guyana’s talent to the world.
Many major sponsors and new companies in Guyana such as Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Comfort Sleep, Samtronix, Morgan’s Investment, Hand in Hand Insurance, Unique Electrical, Caribbean Motor Spares, HRTN Consulting, Darthan Investments, Turbo Energy Drink, SuperBet, Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) along with dozens of overseas based Guyanese companies are supporting the event.
Tickets, priced as low as $1,000 are on sale at Giftland, Movietowne, Amazonia Malls, all Assuria General Insurance offices nationwide, The Locals Restaurant in Vreed-en-Hoop and Fagoo’s General Store in Parika.
