Tonight's fight a must-win - Alfred
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
March 27, 2004
Guyana's female bantamweight champion Shondell Alfred will do whatever it takes to bring home the bacon when she goes head-to-head against world champion Alicia Ashley at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this evening.
At the pre-fight press conference held at the Water Chris Hotel yesterday morning, Alfred declared that she is mentally and physically prepared for the eight-round, non-title encounter and will be giving it her best shot.
"I said it before that this fight means everything to me. I'm going to do whatever it takes. There are no ifs or buts. I must win this one," Alfred said.
In retaliation Ashley, the International Women Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion declared that her opponent did not look like a fighter.
"Looks are deceiving. She doesn't look like a fighter. I'm a mover, boxer and a puncher. I hope that she is as well rounded as I am. We will see," Ashley said.
Ashley and Alfred meet in the main bout of the card promoted by Mike Carryl and Gary Stephens. The main supporting contest between Caribbean Boxing Federation junior middleweight champion `Deadly' Denny Dalton and Leon `The Lion' Gilkes promises fire-works.
Gilkes said that although he envisages a tough match, he knows he will be too much for the champion. "I have his number. Denny knows that. He knows that I can take care of him," the Canadian told Stabroek Sport.
Dalton preferred to be reticent. "I would allow my manager and trainer to talk before the fight. I will do my talking in the ring. He wouldn't be able to talk after this match."
`Classy' Cassius Matthews of Linden will seek the victory of his career when he comes up against Dillon Carew in an eight-round welterweight event.
The professional segment of the Pro-Am card begins with a catch-weight, four-round contest between Sharon `The Stone' Ward and Lisma De Silva.
Several amateur fights will precede the professionals. Ringside tickets cost $1,200 while $800 is being charged for stands. The card begins at 8 pm.