Computer desk for a world champ
Guyana Chronicle
August 8, 2004
NOW preparing for a title fight against Laila Ali, Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) light heavyweight champion Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil was recently recognised by yet another business entity.
Salod Marketing Agency presented O’Neil with a computer desk and office chair, coming some two months after the country’s first female boxer won a world title. However, Managing Director Sahadeo Dukhiram said the gesture was a way of congratulating the champion and also giving inspiration to the younger athletes in all disciplines.
He added that all businesses should contribute in some way to the development of sports in Guyana.
Meanwhile, O’Neil’s manager Ean Peters, who is also her husband, said that the champ was in rigorous training ahead of her clash with Laila Ali, on September 3 in the USA.
Peters said that O’Neil was more focused and competition-ready for her clash for the vacant International Women’s Boxing Association (IWBA) belt.
“She is going to win, because she is a much stronger fighter and she is moving up the ladder of the highest pinnacle,” he said with conviction.
“We’re settling for nothing less because she is going to beat Laila,” he contended.
Peters told Chronicle Sport that the champ, who trains at the Camp Ayanganna Gym, was taking the bout very personally, which was enough motivation for O’Neil.
“Gwendolyn is taking it personally because of some statements made on a training video by Laila and also because she owes her money from a fight in Nigeria she pulled out of; she is taking it very, very personally.”
The bout is being promoted by Absolute Boxing and Promotions, owned and managed by Ali’s husband Johnny ‘Yaw Yaw’ McLain.