Manswell makes pro debut tonight

DAVID MCMILLAN, who has not fought in more than two years enters the ring tonight hoping to derail the ambitions of former national and Caribbean amateur champion Kertson Manswell. After his failed bid to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Athens, Manswell is making his professional debut on a card entitled “Trouble in Arima.” At yesterday’s weighing-in McMillan, who said he has fought eight professional bouts and won about half, boasted that he would beat Manswell.

“Walk with a stretcher, that’s the advice I have. I will win, Manswell knows that,” he said. Manswell need not fear. He has boxed at the highest level earning silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, Central American Games and the Pan American Games. He is now looking to build a good record to work his way up the regional ratings with his eye on the world and Commonwealth championship. Also on the card promoted by Tansley Thompson is another former outstanding national amateur champion Kirt Sinnette. The action begins at 6 pm with a supporting card of amateur and professional bouts at the Arima Basketball Court. Sinnette takes the ring against Ricardo Innis in a six-round middleweight contest while Manswell’s six-round heavyweight bout is the main event which is scheduled to start at 8 pm.

At a press conference to launch the card promoted by Surefire Promotions, Manswell appeared calm before his first professional outing despite McMillan’s assertion that he was going to “knock that boy out.” Other professional bouts on the card are a welterweight fight between Kevin Placide and Waldron Brooks carded for six rounds; a four-round featherweight bout between Miguel Agard and Craig Storm; and two professional bouts featuring Shawn Corbin and Vickie Boodram against opponents to be announced. General Admission is $20 and Ringside, $30. The card is sanctioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control.