Gonsalves sets sight on Conquering Corley

By Romario Samaroo

At one of the most highly anticipated night of boxing for 2016, Dexter Gonsalves will be looking to demolish DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley when the two square up in the ring for 12 rounds, battling for the Fecarbox Lightweight Title when they meet at ‘Bad Intentions’ on August 27 at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Gonsalves, who is a Guyanese national, is already the junior lightweight champion and his opponent, Corley is no amateur with the gloves, having been in the ring with Floyd Mayweather Jr, Darryl Tyson, Javier Garcia, Gabriel Bracero and Felix Flores, among others.
But Gonsalves is not intimidated by Corley, who on the other hand, has had much more exposure in the international circuit with 44 wins, including 26 knockouts and 26 losses, his latest victim being Guyanese, Iwan Azore and has been putting in a lot of work to be ready for one of the biggest, if not the biggest match of his career.
Guyana Times Sport sat down with Gonsalves’ manager, Aleem Hussain, who spoke well of the young boxer and his confidence heading

into the match.
“This kid is not taking this fight lightly, he is training very hard. His goal in this preparation is to be ready for a world title shot. Dexter is one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Since signing with NexGen Promotions six months ago, the boxer was introduced to a world rated scheme of both physical and physiological training that will better his game,” Hussain said.
Hussain added that Gonsalves is now on a strict diet and is training every day and is supported by his employer who gave him time of to prepare for this match, and as a result he is now in top physical form, adding on body mass and speed.
Gonsalves was recently involved in a match against Clive ‘the Punisher’ Atwell, where he emerged victorious and Atwell suffered a serious head injury that required surgery.
Dexter Gonsalves currently has eight knockouts to his name, one loss and two draws, which in the mind of many were questionable.
Hussain noted that Gonsalves will not underestimate his opponent, but will be looking to use his brains as well as his strength to dominate the older Corley.
“Dexter has phenomenal talent, he has power in both hands and in this fight he will measure his opponent and stay on Corley who has a colourful record.” Hussain said.
However, fans will also be treated to some serious matches with reputations and pride on the line.
In the middleweight category, Mark Austin will look to stop the mighty Jamaican, Michael Gardener in his boots.
One of the most favoured clashes of the night will be in the lightweight category where Imran Khan will look to redeem himself against Quincy Gomes.
Gomes had emerged victorious against Khan the last time they met, but Khan has identified his mistakes from the last fight and has already started to correct them. However, Gomes does not intend to go the full six rounds with Khan, and wants to finish the fight in round one.
Another lightweight bout for the night will see Anthony Narine making his debut when he shares the square with Keeve Allicock for four rounds.
The first fight slated for the night will have the crowd on their toes to witness Kelsey George, a young Berbician, looking to defeat Barbadian Chadwin Estwick.
Estwick, who is on a winning streak, is looking to extend it, while George will be aiming to gain some momentum for his future.
Admission cost $3000 (ringside) and $1000 (general admission).