‘I will beat him like a drum’
- Says Keith Bazilio of his match with Ivor ‘Baba’ Simmons
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
April 16, 2003
At the age of 50 most persons would be thinking of taking their grand children for strolls, having a quiet evening with close friends or even `throwing back’ in a rocking chair while reminiscing about the days of yore.
But that is just what most, not all, folks prefer to do. Not all tend to follow the path of the `normal’. For instance a five star general may just prefer to prepare for war. However, even though Keith Bazilio is no four star general he is getting ready for a war.
Bazilio, at the ripe young age of 50, has thrown down the gauntlet to long time nemesis Ivor `Baba’ Simmons who is his junior. The two are expected to meet this Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the main bout of a boxing card aptly dubbed `Down Memory Lane’.
`Buck’ as Bazilio is affectionately referred to by those close to him, was a promising amateur boxer back in the 70s and even had one professional fight.
He has always kept a close eye on the sport, as a supporter, promoter and even a trainer. Simmons has fought as a professional several times.
But unlike former heavyweight champion George Foreman who retired in 1977 only to return 10 years later to enjoy a fruitful career, Bazilio’s return is only to prove one point and that is to “beat up” Simmons.
When Stabroek Sport caught up with `Buck’ he was his usual confident self. “Man look,” he said nonchalantly, “I used to beat Simmons for tea, breakfast and dinner. He used to beg me not to punch him so hard. I’ll be fast, I’ll be strong and I’ll be the winner,” Bazilio promised.
The two will match gloves over four-rounds in a heavyweight contest. Simmons have been hard at work at the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym and according to reports expects an easy victory over Bazilio, who turned 50 last year.
But just by judging from the tough-talking Bazilio boasts, Simmons will be used to provide music for the spectators. “He will be my drum and I’ll beat him all night long. I know him well. He wouldn’t get past the second round,” Bazilio pledged.
Bazilio and Simmons are not the only `Old Timers’ on the card. Guyana’s only Olympic medalist Michael Anthony Parris (45-year-old) clashes with Winston Goodridge who holds a win over former world rater Terrence Alli.
Linden ‘Buckman’ Mortley, a former national junior welterweight champion face Dennis ‘The Kid’ Dalrymple. Mortley was defeated by Goodridge in his first professional fight on Boxing Day 1985.
Fitzroy Davidson takes on Ovid Jack, Grimmon Alli tackles Malcolm Hawker and Leslie Ford comes against Roy Smith. Maxi ‘Street Fighter’ Sergeant matches gloves with Dennis Mackenzie and Leroy Lewis clashes with Cecil ‘Koker Dog’ Alfred. Bell time is 7:30 pm.
