Boxer Boodram takes a beating

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Vicki Boodram was totally outclassed on Friday by Guyana’s Shondell Alfred in their ten-round bout for the Women’s International Boxing Associa-tion Latin American flyweight crown. Alfred, who took the match on three days notice knocked down Boodram in the first round, pulverised her in the second and was finally put out of her torment in the third by referee Tommy Thomas who gave the Guyanese victory by knock down. The fight was the main bout on a Pro-Am card organised to honour boxing hero Yolande Pompey, a resident of the district. But the hometown fans rooting for Boodram were not given anything to shout about as Alfred, from the sound of the first bell, attacked with a ferocity that always had her opponent on the defensive.

Alfred, a Georgetown secretary upped her record to 17 victories in 20 fights and was beating Boodram for the second time who has now lost her fifth of ten bouts. Yesterday match-maker Buxo Potts, who was in Alfred’s corner, delivered a blistering attack on the Trinidadian’s handlers as inept and suggested the promising boxer should seek assistance outside her Princes Town gym. “It is sad that they are rushing her. They are not allowing her to grow. They are picking bad fights for her which only serves to demoralise her,” said Potts yesterday. He said that if Boodram’s handlers are not careful she may soon be lost to the sport which he said would be an unfortunate development. “Right now Boodram needs urgent technical help and a match-maker to pick the right type of opponents for her to get up on the road to a regional championship and even on the world stage,” said Potts.

He suggested that Boodram seek the services of well known South Trinidad boxing coach Allan Joseph who he said could be contracted for a small fee to get her fit technically. Potts also offered whatever assistance is available at his Mio-Mel Gym in Arima because he says he thinks that Boodram has enormous talent but is just not being handled well. “She’s an intelligent person and excellent learner. In just four months she could be brought back in tip-top shape with her confidence back to make a challenge,” said Potts. Potts was full of praise for Alfred who executed the fight strategy to the hilt, attacking from the word “Go” and cutting off Boodram in the ring who had nowhere to hide.

“Alfred was allowed to brawl out her opponent. It was her plan since she was not in training and was hoping for a quick night’s work. If Boodram had been able to counter-attack by blocking and hooking off her jab all the while staying with Alfred, the fight would have been different,” said Potts. He said he expects Alfred to bid for a world championship by the end of the year since she possesses the skill and determination to succeed at the highest levels. Potts also disclosed that Alfred spoke to Boodram yesterday on the telephone inquiring about her condition after the severe beating on Friday night. “She was very concerned and was assured by Boodram that she was well and would continue training and not give up boxing,” said Potts.