TT boxer forces Frenchman to throw towel

Trinidad and Tobago’s teenaged boxing sensation Aaron Cumberbatch forced the Martiniquan handlers of Kenroy Broquey to throw the towel into the ring on Friday night.

This action brought an abrupt end to what most fans were expecting to be the contest of the night at the Cosmic Boxing Gym, Marabella. The few boxing faithfuls turned up were disappointed in the outcome of the fight which should have showcased the battery of fighters from the French island principality. Only two fighters from their stable mustered the courage to challenge the Trinidadians who emerged victorious in both bouts. Having created history at the Caribbean Championships held in Martinique last year, Cosmic Boxing Gym’s Cumberbatch voted “Fighter of the Championships” and “Best Junior Fighter”, toyed with Broquey (110 lbs). He seemed unable to conjure up the courage to attack the skilful and elusive Trinidadian (108 lbs) in their flyweight scrap. And even without absorbing much punishment, someone from Broquey’s corner stunned everyone with the towel thrown into the ring and forced the referee to stop the fight. The fight was declared in favour of Cumberbatch and will be recorded as Referee Stopped Contest — retired first round. In a featherweight clash, TT’s Klevan Denoon (122 lbs) outfoxed his French opponent Anthony Laurent (124 lbs) in the other international bout.

The local pugilist unleashed superior and much more powerful combinations in a fine exhibition of classy boxing by both fighters. Denoon was definitely more aggressive and stronger in his connections and he prevailed by a 2-1 margin in the hotly-contested clash. Earlier, Mikey Francis (203 lbs) of Sand City pounded Terrence Wilson (207 lbs) of Arima in a one-sided super heavyweight bout and was awarded the fight by a 3-0 advantage. Enos Marchan (135.5 lbs) gave Sand City their second title of the night when he outscored Kirt Blackwell (133 lbs) of St Michael’s Boys School. Marchan was awarded the fight by a 2-1 margin. Tonight, the action switches to the Siparia Lions Civic Centre where all the visiting Martiniquans fighters will be hoping to turn the tables on the local glovemen who are determined to do well in their preparations for the upcoming Caribbean Championships in Bahamas.