Sunday, September 2 2012

click on pic to zoom in

LOCAL PUGILIST Kirt Sinnette will be vying for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International light heavyweight crown today when he squares off against the Uganda-born British boxer Joey Vegas (real name Joseph Lubega) in a 12-round duel at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Port-of-Spain.

The 38-year-old Sinnette, also called “the Fighting Technician”, will be entering the ring with a record of 21 victories (17 by knockout) and one defeat (by knockout) in his 22 professional battles.

Vegas, who goes by the alias “Fabulous”, and now resides in Tottenham, London, has registered 13 victories (six by knockout) and six losses (two by knockout), as well as one drawn result, in his 20 previous professional encounters.

Last week, Vegas emphasised, “Sinnette must put his money where his mouth is. I am the African Boxing Champion and to be the Champion of Africa one has to endure better and stronger competitions.

“I am not leaving anything to the judges, I’ve seen too many strange things happen in fights,” Vegas continued. “I am taking this fight very serious. This fight is the only chance I will have in order for me to get the opportunity to fight for the WBC world title.

But Sinnette, the WBC CABOFE (Caribbean Boxing Federation) title- holder, responded, “as sure as the sun rises in the morning, that is how sure a defeat will be for Vegas. For his mouth I will beat him like a pulp.”

At yesterday’s weigh-in session at the Alicia’s Palace, Lady Chancellor Hill, St Ann’s, both Sinnette and Vegas tipped the scales at 175 pounds.

There will be a number of bouts on today’s agenda, including three professional six-round fights featuring TT boxers. Ria Ramnarine, who has been out of the boxing circuit for a year, is set to meet Guyana’s Stephaney George in a light flyweight tussle — Ramnarine will enter the fight at 106 pounds, two less than George.

In two lightweight meetings, local boxer Prince Lee Isidore (134.75 pounds) will trade punches with Guyanese Cassius Matthews (136.5) while, in an all-local affair, Jamila Jones (136 pounds) is set to oppose Tiana Sosa-Saney (128.75).

And there will also be four amateur bouts featuring fighters from the twin-island republic against rivals from Guyana. Michael Alexander will be facing Imran Khan, Arshad Fabien will be opposing Joel Williamson, Akmal Stroude will be meeting Travis Hubbard and Shaquille Gabriel will be battling Jamal Thomas.

And there will be a mixed-martial arts (MMA) three-round encounter featuring Dwayne Hinds (166.5 pounds) against Canada’s Scott Hudson (168.5).

Gates will be open today from 4 pm.