Dear Editor,
I would like the general public, the Guyana Boxing Board (GBB) and all the fans to know why I did not go ahead with the fight against Lennox Allen who was scheduled to fight Howard Eastman on Saturday.
While preparing to leave my home around 18:45 hrs to witness the fight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Mr Eon Jardin called me and asked me to come down to the Sports Hall with my boxing gear. Upon my arrival, I was taken to meet Mr Abdool, Mr Arno and Mr Solomon, where I was informed that I had to fight Mr Allen in Eastman’s place because he was in police custody and the fight was the main event. I was even told that everyone had bought tickets to see this fight and not wanting to disappoint the fans, I agreed.
When discussions about the purse began, a proposal was made to me and it was deemed unacceptable, taking into consideration the fact that I was standing in for Eastman, I was called at the last minute and was not fully prepared. I asked for a more tangible proposal and it was refused. I further tried to justify my position by reminding these gentlemen about what was being offered to Eastman for this fight, and since I would be taking his place, subsequently requested a better deal. There was a difference of opinion expressed by these gentlemen, while some were in favour, others were not, and the result was the cancellation of the main event of a well supported fight card.
These are the facts and I hope that the Guyana Boxing Board particularly, is not misled, since as a boxer, I have this sport at heart and have always supported the GBB and will continue to do so.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Gilkes
