‘Farmer’ ready to release tension

Erin-born promoter Roy Jones, one half of the Texas, US-based Knock Out Promotions, says the “Road to the Championship” boxing card at the Woodbrook Youth Facility this evening is filling a need that has opened up in the discipline locally. He has a vision to continue the boxing exhibitions monthly and revealed that with the direction of Tigers Boxing Gym physical trainer Winston Yearwood it should develop the talent and support the growth of professional and amateur boxers. Speaking at yesterday’s weigh-in ahead of the card, Jones said that his group will work together to address the problems plaguing the sport assuring that it is his intention to employ a vigorous approach toward achieving these goals. Trinidad and Tobago’s representative in card’s main event Jimmy “Farmer” Joseph called the interest shown by Jones and Yearwood an “answered prayer.” He said he is ready to prove himself.

Joseph intimated that after a long period of training that his fists are stressed and he views the bout against Gary Butler —  a 240-pound 6’4” Dallas heavyweight brawler —  as a ripe opportunity to release that tension. Butler replaces Joseph’s initial opponent Ronnie “Big Bear” Smith, who due to visa irregularities was unable to make the match. He has a 12-win 23-loss record which Jones assured does not make him a push-over but an ideal antagonist. He said the losses came at the hands of top notch contenders making Butler an experienced campaigner. At their first meeting yesterday the easy-going Butler referred to Joseph as “an alright guy” and noted the warmth with which he had been received by Trinidadians. But all that is sure to change when he enters the ring tonight. Kirt Sinnette, weighing in at 169 pounds faces Tobago’s Garfield George (171 lbs), in a balanced welterweight contest. And flyweight Mickel Agard meets Kevin George. Tickets for tonight are $50 (Ringside) and $30 (General Admission) and the card begins at 7.30 pm. Four amateur boxing bouts are also scheduled. The first 100 patrons will be presented with Knock Out Promotions T-shirts.