Alfred takes apart the men in preparation for the woman
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
March 23, 2004
Guyana female bantamweight champion Shondell Alfred has her eyes set on becoming the first woman-champion from this country and is certain that a win over Alicia Ashley at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday will swing her into world-title avenue.
Taking time off from a sparring session at the Forgotten Youth Foundation gym yesterday, Alfred said she grabbed the chance to fight Ashley with both hands knowing that the non-title fight will give her the break she badly needs.
"I have been sparring with only men for this fight. I have been hurting them in the gym. You can go around and ask. The men duck me in here. I have been doing this because I want to make sure that there is no way I could lose. I want to be in perfect condition when I meet her," Alfred said.
"I know it will be a hard fight but I have the ability. I have proven myself before and I will do it again," Alfred added.
Yesterday the petite but explosive fighter, ranked fourth in the world in the bantamweight division, sparred eight rounds while being watched by a contented coach Seabert Blake.
"I'm a pressure fighter. I start fast and keep up the pace. Of course she is a world champion and I must respect her for winning that crown but inside the ring it will be different. It will be pressure from round one until it ends," the local champion said.
Ashley is the present International Female Boxing Federation super-bantamweight champion. Her fight against Alfred is the main bout of a card promoted by Gary Stephens and Mike Carryl at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The main supporting event will see Caribbean Boxing Federation junior middleweight champion `Deadly' Denny Dalton versus Leon Gilkes.
Ashley, usually referred to as Muhammad Ali in a skirt, is a Jamaica-born southpaw who now lives in Westbury, Long Island. She began kickboxing in April 1995 and rattled up a 10-0 record before turning to boxing. Ashley won the vacant IFBF super bantamweight title on November 15, 2002 with a decision over Marcela Acua.
However, Alfred was unperturbed by all the accolades given to her opponent. "It really doesn't matter to me. I'm going to win that fight even if it takes my last breath. I have been working mornings, noon and nights. I'm the Mystery Lady remember? This fight means everything to me. After this it's on to the world title."
Pressed for a prediction of how the fight will end, Alfred expressed confidence that the bell to signal the eighth and final round would not be heard. "I wouldn't need it. That won't be necessary. She is a distance fighter and I will be upon her very, very early."
Coach Blake wasted little time in complementing his charge. "She has been doing excellently in the gym. She has been sparring with heavier guys than usual so that she can utilise her full power. It has been smooth sailing for her. I myself am very eager to watch her unload on Saturday," Blake said.
"She has improved a lot since her last fight. Our objective is to win the fight. We are going to take it round for round and pound for pound. If Ashley makes one single mistake it will be over."
Ashley and entourage are expected in Guyana on Thursday.