Omar Smith captures Caribbean Kickboxing title

He defeated Suriname’s Joey Banai by an unanimous decision, in an action-packed five-round contest to be crowned the new Caribbean super welterweight kickboxing champion. Banai, a game opponent, tried his best but was unable to match the speed and agility of a feisty Smith.

Banai also took an eight-count, but came back to land a few good kicks of his own. Midway through the bout, Smith switched his stance and used his straight left quite effectively, as he landed punches almost at will. Banai showed grit and determination as he valiantly fought back, but could not overcome the Rough House representative.

Smith’s coach Adam de Silva was openly happy with his charge’s victory and thanked the Surinamese team for their efforts.

He also thanked Smith’s sponsor Kee-Chanona Limited, for assisting in the sponsorship of the bout. In the semi-main event, Prem Jagdeo outpointed Andell Lakhan to snatch the national welterweight title. Jadgeo was a last minute replacement for Vimal Jagoo, who apparently fell ill and did not show up. Jagdeo, the shorter fighter, was patient in his attacks, while Lakhan tried to take advantage of longrange kicks and punches. After a tough four-round battle, the “Prettiboi” Jadgeo was appropriately adjudged the victor and was all smiles as he accepted the title belt.

The show was opened with a brilliant display of karate demonstrations by Team Elite. The team, consisting of children, thrilled the crowd with their skills and set the tone for an exciting evening.

The eight-bout card also featured two entertaining wrestling bouts by the local wrestling association, led by Varun Ragoonanan.

The show had various schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago participating, and promoter Bharrath Ramoutar said it augured well for the future of kickboxing in the country.

Ramoutar said, “The fights were of really good quality, with even the beginners showing great potential. The feedback from the crowd, which was one of the biggest ever, indicated that fight fans were quite satisfied and are looking forward to the next Fine Line promotion. The mix of so many different clubs brought a lot of varying styles to the table and this will encourage the growth and development of all the athletes.” He also said that the Trinidad and Tobago Kickboxing Federation is hoping this success will encourage the Ministry of Sport to resolve the longstanding issue which threatens to destroy kickboxing in TT.

Ramoutar thanked the sponsors including National Lotteries Control Board, Kee-Chanona Limited, Chaguanas Auto Supplies, Print Art Services, Monisec Security and Bodyguard Services, Francis Townhomes, Toby’s Bar, Fan Zone, V&N Auto Supplies, Evolution Fitness, Deonarine Small Engine Repairs, Rattansingh’s Tyre Shop, Sonny’s Auto Spare Parts, Marissa Mohammed and Sew Rite Variety Store.

OTHER RESULTS - Kester Smart def Rohan DeFreitas; Nicholas Persad def Royel Haynes; Yusaf Kenedie def Zane Babooram; Anil Lutchman def Keston Andrews; Donnel Phillip def Daniel Sookdeo; Shane Ramsanahie def Joachim Gilbert.