Once the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) gives its blessing, boxing fans in Linden will be treated to a Boxing Night Special, ‘National Promotions Card’ later this year.
The card, which will be promoted by former boxer Carl Goulding and his son Omotolalong, has a December 26 tentative date.
The proposed card will feature four bouts of mainly Lindeners with Pauline London taking on Shondell Parks in a heavyweight clash over four rounds; Cassius Matthews opposing Anson Green over six rounds in a welterweight encounter; Sharon Ward and Margaret Walcott battling oversix rounds in a junior middleweight clash and the main event Edmond Declou fighting Kelsey George over eight rounds in a super middleweight encounter.
London, Parks, Matthews, Ward and De Clou are all Lindeners.
The eight boxers will be fighting for a total of $710,000.
At a press conference on Thursday in the boardroom of the GBBC which was attended by Linden’s most famous boxing personality Terrence Alli, the senior Goulding said the reason behind the card was his way of giving back to the sport which he has gained so much from.
“I was about 20-years-old when I started boxing but the sport has done so such for me,” he said.
According to him, while the initial card will be held in December there will be similar cards held at least every two to three months.
“There are a lot of young boxers out there who have the drive, potential, paid their dues but need the exposure and that I think is one of the things that Guyana on a whole is lacking in every sport and we are hoping the change that for the benefit of the undiscovered and untapped talents out there,” said Goulding’s son.
The younger Goulding in response to whether they will be able to sustain the venture financially said yes, but added that it will depend on the response and cooperation of the Guyanese people.
Carl Goulding said over the years a lot could have been done to develop the sport.
“Guyana won a medal at the Olympics years ago and had enough emphasis been placed on boxing years ago we could have had a silver or gold medal by now because we are pretty good. Thank God for the professional guys. They have done pretty well because they have gotten a few world titles, but I believe the amateur guys, they need more competitions which I think will get us to that level where I think that we can go and win a silver and gold medal at the Olympics.”
The Gouldings said they have already made contact with the Regional Chairman and President of the Mackenzie Sports club both of whom are reportedly pleased with the proposals put forward to rejuvenate the sport in the mining town.
“There are a lot of young boxers out there who have the drive, potential, paid their dues but need the exposure and that I think is one of the things that Guyana on a whole is lacking in every sport and we are hoping the change that for the benefit of the undiscovered and untapped talents out there.”
Questioned whether others have indicated an interest in adding their names to the promotions, the Gouldings said two other former boxers Samuel Brutus and Conrad Wilson have said once everything is in place they will be join the promotional team.
