Salandy to fight Texan for world titles

This was announced yesterday by Boxu Potts, co-ordinator of the ten round super welterweight (154lb) contest, one of the biggest boxing matches ever staged in the English speaking Caribbean.

Potts said yesterday he had hoped to give Iva Weston the opportunity to challenge Salandy for the double crown but the Siparia fighter declined.

It is understood that Weston, a North American Boxing Conference champion recently underwent minor surgery and feels she would not recover in time to be in the best shape for the bout.

However Potts has gone ahead and obtained the acceptance of Hawaii-born Hallowen, a 37-year-old Texas-based fighter who is regarded as a seasoned campaigner.

“She has a record of 14 fights with 11 victories and has fought several top contenders. Hallowen is a formidable opponent in anyone’s books,” said Potts yesterday.

Potts said that he has already received the sanction of both the WBA and WBC for the fight between Salandy and Hallowen and plans are moving ahead for the fight.

The internationally recognised match-maker said that it would cost approximately $300,000 to successfully stage the fight.

He is counting on corporate sponsors to come forward and stake their interest since a win for Salandy will propel her on to the world stage.

“The potential for Salandy and Trinidad and Tobago is immense. Salandy is looking towards the next step which is a fight against Laila Ali early next year while the country will once again be grabbing international headlines for the right reasons,” said Potts.

He said the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs have been of great assistance and he is optimistic that they will take a leading role in making the presentation a success.

“We need to do all we can to be successful in all aspects of this venture. It is certain to rebound to the benefit of Salandy, Trinidad and Tobago and women’s boxing on the whole,” said Potts.

He reiterated that should 19-year-old Salandy emerge victorious as expected, she will be the first Trinidad and Tobago boxer to hold both World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council titles simultaneously.

Only Claude Noel and Leslie “Tiger” Stewart have won world titles in boxing for Trinidad and Tobago but they surrended the crowns in their first title defences.

“The WBA and the WBC are the two most prestigious boxing organisations in the world and the mere fact that they can support Salandy means that she does indeed have a bright future and we should help her achieve her full potential,” said Potts.