By Romario Samaroo
Guyanese boxer Dexter Gonsalves, 27, has stated that DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley, 42, United States boxer has had his time and it is his (Gonsalves) time to reach the top when the two meet at the main event of “Bad Intentions” at Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, East Cost Demerara, on Saturday.
Gonsalves sent a message to the Corley Camp stating, “Chop Chop, you had your time and this is my time” as they prepare to match gloves for the World Boxing Council’s Fecarbox title.
Gonsalves has had seven knockout wins in his eleven fights to date and will be looking to add Corley to the list after their 12-round.
On the other side of the table, Corley extended his gratitude to the organisers and his opponent for accepting to fight him, noting that he “is a dangerous fighter, no fighter is willing to fight me because when they see my résumé and who I have been in the ring with, they are afraid.”
Back Row (L-R) Imran Khan, Anthony Narine, Keeve Alicock and Quincy Gomes
‘Chop Chop’ has been in the ring 75 times with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Miguel Cotto, having won 48 of those fights including 28 knockouts.
Gonsalves has been in the gym putting in extra hours preparing for the big fight while his counterpart has stated that he is always training and pointed out that he has already fought one Guyanese, Iwan Azore, and won.
Gonsalves, however, acknowledged Corley’s experience, saying, “Corley has fought some of the best fighters but has never been in the ring with a real Guyanese who is hungry to reach the top.”
Both fighters have indicated that this match will be the stepping stone they need on their way to the WBC championship which is in possession of Jorge Linares of Venezuela.
When Guyana Times Sport met with Coley, the former WBO champion pointed out that he is aware of the age difference between the two, but said he has the experience that Gonsalves does not. Corley added, “Gonsalves does have the height advantage, but a lot of fighters have height but do not know how to use it, and come Saturday fans will see if the hometown boy can take a punch.”
In the other fights of the night, one of the most anticipated will be what has been dubbed a ‘grudge match’ between Imran ‘Magic’ Khan and Quincy ‘Glittering’ Gomes.
These two fighters met at Caribbean Knockdown where Gomes had emerged victorious after six rounds and is looking to end the match with a first-round knockout.
But Khan felt the match result was questionable, pointing out several mistakes he made and promising to better them this time around.
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool, highlighted that these boxers are all part of the NexGen Global Promotions team and wanted to know who will win the fight but both fighters asserted, they both have blood in their eyes and the desire to win.
A next match-up between NexGen Global Promotion boxers will see Anthony Narine making his debut against Keeve Allicock, who has a knockout on his mind.
Narine said he is set to make a good first impression and ready for anything Alicock can throw at him, while Alicock, who comes from a family of boxers, has his eyes set on the bigger picture and see this as a must-win fight on his way to the top.
Berbician Kesley George is expected to have the crowd on their toes when he matches gloves in a four-round super middleweight clash with Barbadian Charwin Estwick, who is currently on a winning streak.
In the middleweight category, Mark Austin will look to stop the mighty Jamaican Michael Gardener in his tracks.
‘Bad Intentions’ is slated for August 27 at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Admission costs $3000 (ringside) and $1000 (general admission).
