Guyana’s undefeated super-middleweight and brightest prospect for her next world title belt Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen will try to shake off some ring rust and keep his unblemished record intact tonight at the BB King Blues Club & Grill in New York, United States of America.
The hard-hitting and skillful southpaw Allen (18-0) will take on power punching Puerto Rican Julio Garcia (12-6) in a six-round televised fight after being out of action since August 2013. The former West Ruimveldt resident now Brooklyn-based fighter, is looking to get back active as he prepares for a title shot in 2015.
Allen, who is managed by local boxing stalwart Carwyn Holland and promoted by world rated promoter Lou DiBella, was full of confidence ahead of his bout when he spoke to Stabroek Sport.
“I am not taking any chances against this guy because I know he is a big puncher and I need to make a statement at this level. I’ve already proven my worth when I won the USA New York State Title against undefeated Nick Brinson so at this level I just need to stay active and execute my game plan to perfection,” Allen stated.
In an invited comment his manager Holland said that he is looking to have Allen fight in Guyana sometime soon so Guyanese can get a first-hand glimpse of the rising boxing star. Holland feels Allen will be Guyana’s next world champion and is encouraging fans, businesses, the government and the local board to throw their support behind him 100% as it has been a while since Guyana produced a world champion.
“I know I had a champion in the making since I launched his (Allen) professional career in 2004. I got further confidence when we inked a sparring deal with legendary world champion Bernard Hopkins as he prepared for his fight against Joe Calzache and Allen was holding his own against the vastly experienced Hopkins, from that I knew Guyana will celebrate Allen as a world champion in the future,” Holland reasoned.
The top local promoter said he is not too pleased with the politics which surrounds boxing in Guyana and will make one last try to salvage the ailing sport, but will waste no time battling anyone trying to stymie his efforts and will continue to promote overseas if such is the case.
Holland is known for promoting some of the best local fight-cards and is down in history as the promoter of Guyana First World Championship Fight between Guyanese Gwendolyn O’Neil and Cathy Rivers of the USA. Should Allen win tonight the victory go a long way towards him realizing his dream of becoming Guyana’s fifth male world champion.
