Lewis punches way into CAC semi-finals
Stabroek News
December 4, 2002
Featherweight boxer Paul Lewis punched his way into the semi-final round of the 19th Central American and Caribbean Games currently underway in El Salvador while the local men's and women's squash teams settled for bronze medals.
According to Guyana's Chef de Mission Garfield Wiltshire, Lewis scored an 18-10 points decision win over Trinidadian Devon Jones on Monday night to reach the semi-final round.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport by telephone from the Games village, Wiltshire said Lewis dominated the bout, connecting to his opponent with most of his shots.
With regards to the local squash teams, Wiltshire said both the men's and women's teams were eliminated by their Mexican counterparts.
According to Wiltshire, the local ladies lost by a 2-0 margin, while their male counterparts lost 1-2.
Wiltshire said Jillian Grifith-Lilico and Kathy Shuffler both lost by 0-3 margins, while Nicolette Fernandes did not play since the result of her match would not have made a difference.
With regards the men's team, Wiltshire said Luke Fraser won his match by a 3-0 margin, while Shawn Badrinauth and Maxim Weithers both lost by 0-3 margins.
The 18-year-old Lewis will now meet 17-year-old Colombian Likar Ramos in one of two semi-finals tonight.
Ramos scored a first round TKO over Haitian Joel Louis and according to Wiltshire, Louis received three mandatory eight counts within the first minute of the bout.
Asked about Lewis' chance of getting past Ramos, Wiltshire said, "We'll have to wait and see, the fella he (Ramos) fought offered no resistance, it was a one sided affair," Wiltshire stated.
Wiltshire however admitted that Ramos is a strong fighter.
The other semi-final will be contested between Dominican Elio Rojas and Venezuelan Neomar Cermeno.
Wiltshire also pointed out that junior welterweight boxer, Lennox Allen's loss to a Colombian fighter on Saturday night was controversial.
According to Wiltshire, Fraser received two standing eight counts in the second round, but stormed back in round three and staggered his opponent with a telling straight right that caused him to hold on to the ring ropes for support, yet the referee refused to issue the mandatory eight count.
Wiltshire said subsequently, Fraser, in an attempt to evade a punch from the Colombian, slipped, but did not go to the canvas and the punch did not connect to Fraser. However, the referee did not hesitate in stopping the bout in the Colombian's favour.
Wiltshire said the local public will have an opportunity to view the fight since it was taped and will be made available.
Meanwhile, track and field athlete Nyota Peters will go into action tomorrow when the heptathlon gets underway.
Peters had contested the women's long jump but could do no better than fourth place with a leap of 5.80 metres.
