Iwan Azore prepared to defend title at Friday night bout

Trinidad-based Iwan Azore says he is fully prepared for his bout against Mark Austin for the Guyana Welterweight title on Friday, when they clash on the ProAm Card organized by the Guyana Boxing Board.

In an exclusive interview via telephone, Azore said he is polishing up as he has completed intense training. Yesterday, he said, was his last day in the gym as he plans to travel to Guyana on Thursday in time for his Friday night fight. He also said this is the first time he would be in the ring with Austin but based on what he has seen of him, he has nothing to worry about. “Austin is the type of fighter that will attack you, but I enjoy fighting men like him,” he added.

Iwan Azore

Azore also said he considers this match to be a stepping stone in his career. “I will be defending my national title, so I will not be taking anything for granted,” he said. This bout will be his 24th fight as a professional, which includes 16 wins, two draws and five losses.   Meanwhile, there has been a change in the line-up of amateur fights in the bout.  David Gonsalves will replace Aaron Cumberbatch in the bantamweight category.

Tournament Director for the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Terrence Poole said he got a call from the Trinidad Amateur Boxing Association about the switch but no explanation was given for the change. Three other amateur fighters from the twin-island republic are expected to participate in the bout: lightweight Michael Alexander, welterweight Leon Nottingham and middleweight Declan Calliste.