Boxing Board president overwhelmed by two world titles
Says Donald Duff
Stabroek News
October 21, 2002
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) K.D. Persaud, has offered his board's congratulations to 'Vicious' Vivian Harris, for his 43-second, second round victory over Diobelys Hurtado, to capture the International Boxing Association as well as the World Boxing Association's for willing titles.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport by telephone, Persaud said "I am overwhelmed with joy. Vivian Harris winning the junior welterweight title is astonishing, finishing the fight in astonishing fashion. It's really great winning two world titles in a week."
Harris dropped Hurtado with a left-fist combination which forced the referee to call a halt to the junior welterweight title fight at 43 seconds of round two, becoming the new IBA and WBA champion of the world.
Persaud said he spoke with Harris by telephone the day before the fight and gave him some good advice. "I asked him to be very cautious in the ring, as he was going up against a very tough opponent" Persaud explained.
According to Persaud, Harris proved to the world that he is an excellent boxer who has the intelligence, the ability and potential to go on to greater heights.
"He seem ready after the fight, to take on the best. As he mentioned, he will fight the boxer from England and then look towards greater fighters like Kostantin Tszyu" Persaud remarked, adding "Our heartfelt congratulations, and let's join together as Guyanese, and celebrate his victory in fine style in whatever ways we can."
"Central Government must be prepared to allocate some finances towards the development of boxing, as it is the only sport that has brought world titles to this glorious land." The board president declared.
Persaud said President Bharrat Jagdeo can perhaps consider a national holiday "seeing that it's two in a row in less than a week."
"With Guyana now having its third world title, we can call on all young boxers and even the existing professionals, to continue working even harder, as they can achieve greater height as these world champions (Vivian Harris, Wayne Braithwaite and Andrew Lewis).
Persaud is calling on boxing promoters to get back on track and stage boxing cards "Professional boxing has not been too active in this country, simply because the promoters have complained about their financial losses, but I sincerely hope that they can turn a new leaf, and make a desperate effort in getting back actively on track in this sport of boxing, and continue to encourage youngsters" Persaud lamented.
"The boxing Board is prepared to work closely with the amateur Board in helping to stimulate boxing, and to ensure it reaches all the various communities of this country." Persaud stated, adding "The professional and amateur boards have combined a master plan, which the Minister of Sports (Gail Teixeira) has in her possession, and if they (Government) are really serious, and inject some finances, these plans can materialise, and we look forward with hope that something positive will be done".