Alfred says hard work paid off, hopes for reward from government

– Victory is for women who believe in themselves
Guyana’s Shondell “Mystery Lady” Alfred says her victory last Saturday night is for all Guyanese especially women who need to believe in themselves.

Referee Andrew Thorne holds up Shondell Alfred’s right hand in victory after her TKO win over Corinne Van Ryck De Groot Saturday night at the Princess Hotel. (Orlando Charles photo)

Speaking to Stabroek Sport in a telephone interview late yesterday, the reigning Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA)  bantamweight champion said her victory was the result of all the hard work she put in at the gym and her determination to prove to the world that her first win over Corinne Van Ryck  DeGroot was no fluke.

According to Alfred, her victory celebrations started off nicely with her son Cameron at her side along with her close relatives, His Excellency Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and members of his cabinet and her many fans who were present to see her victory.

She added that she was taken to dinner Sunday evening by her husband and spent most of yesterday relaxing with relatives and gym mates.

“I hope my victory is seen as a boost for women in Guyana for I see myself as their ambassador and will always strive to be a good role model to young women in sport,” the champion declared.

She added that she will not stay away from the gym for too long as she would like to stay fit until her next fight is arranged.

Alfred predicted that she would be back in the gym by early next week and will be gearing herself for another title fight.

She hopes to land the 115-pound title which would make her the first Guyanese multi-division champion.

That fight is expected to be staged sometime around September or October according to sources close to a promotional group planning to make Alfred’s dream come true.

“I am so happy the President was there to see my victory for himself. The last time we fought he was not around to see the fight, but this time he was there and I am glad. I was also happy to see the Housing Minister there because I would love to be rewarded with my house and land just like other Guyanese World champions,” Alfred stated.

Alfred was making the first defense of the title she won in 2009 against the same opponent.

Gwendolyn “The Stealth Bomber” O’Neil joined Alfred as Guyana’s only world champions last Saturday night after a unanimous victory over her former gym mate veronica Blackman. Male boxer Leon “Hurry Up” Moore sits at number three in the world ratings and is expected to challenge for a title by year end.

Other boxers not far from the top of the world ratings are Wayne Braithwaite, Pamela London and Troy Ross who failed in his bid to capture the IBF cruiserweight title last Saturday in Germany against American Steve Cunningham.