Pro boxing returns tonight in Chaguanas

PROFESSIONAL boxing makes a welcome return to the local ring tonight with a promsing card promoted by Cosmic Boxing Club and Fine Line Kickboxing Gym from 7.30 pm at the Central Indoor Sports Facility, Chaguanas. In the main bout Trinidad and Tobago welterweight champion Floyd Trumpet comes up against Barbadian Shurwayne Marshall in a ten-round scrap. Marshall, nicknamed “The Mauler” is a late replacement for Benjamin Modeste, who reportedly suffered an injury and pulled out of the contest. However he was brimming with confidence yesterday at the official weighing-in ceremony at the fight venue saying he is not afraid of anyone and expects a quick victory. Trumpet, with a record of 11 victories in 14 fights is seeking to get another crack at the Caribbean Championship and is anxious to prove his worth against the Barbadian. “I am ready to rumble. These Bajans are too cocky. I am on a mission,” said the Cunupia postie yesterday. He last fought in mid-2002 when he was stopped by fellow Trinidadian Felix Vanderpool in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, for the regional crown. Trumpet failed to answer the bell for the fourth round and following an investigation by the American authorities was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Also in the spotlight tonight is a women’s six-round fight between Carapichaima sensation Ria Ramnarine, ranked ninth in the world, against Princes Town teenager Vicki Boodram who is making her professional debut. Ramnarine, defeated only twice in her five bouts is regarded as the most technically gifted female fighter in the ring and hopes to maintain her ranking with a convincing showing against the superby fit but untested Boodram. In an amateur grudge match Terrance Lokai, the Caribbean flyweight champion of Revival Boxing Gym in Port-of-Spain matches fists with Aaron Cumberbatch of Phoenix Gym in Princes Town. Lokai, fresh out of the Caribbean Championships in Bahamas earlier this year outpointed Cumberbatch in two practice bouts. As a result Cumberbatch, last year’s outstanding junior fighter at the regional championships is gunning for revenge and under coach Anthony Waterman thinks he can upset Lokai in their four-rounder. Two other amateur bouts will complete the boxing action: Middleweight Donald Snaggs fights Simeon Prince; and Fayium Muhammed comes up against Leroy Isadore. Both bouts are over three rounds. There will also be several kick boxing contests.