O’Neil’s participation in world title fight standing on thin ice
By Leeron Brumell
Guyana Chronicle
April 9, 2004
WORLD-rated Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil is standing on thin ice as regards to her world title fight against American Kathy Rivers on May 29, right here in Guyana.
According to promoter Carwyn Holland of Holland’s Entertainment Promotions (HEP) who has exclusive rights, O’Neil has disregarded a number of deadlines in coming to an agreement with the contract to fight the American.
Holland said that O’Neil is demanding too much of a pay purse to make the fight, while there are external forces that are advising her against the fight.
He said that O’Neil’s purse is one and a half times more than what Rivers has accepted.
O’Neil, who is scheduled to fight for two titles, WIBA and IFBA, told Holland that her husband is her manager, yet a Barbadian promoter is saying he is her manager.
Holland has given O’Neil until the end of the month to finalise all agreements, failing which Pamela ‘the Grenade’ London, will step into the ring against Rivers.
London, who is rated number 6, will have to make the 175 pounds weight class.
Holland further added that if O’Neil ‘messes’ up this shot she may never get another chance at the title and if she does, it will not be anytime soon.
The promoter said that Rivers has accepted a small pay package to do the fight and he also noted that some 40-odd journalists from the USA and the Caribbean would be here to cover the bout.
Holland further added that the cost of staging such an event is in excess of $M10G.
The main supporting bout on the card features ‘Deadly’ Denny Dalton against an opponent yet to be named for the Universal Boxing Council (UBC) title and will also feature Leon Moore against Elvis Martinez of Mexico, while Lennox Allen’s opponent is still to be decided.
Support for the staging of the event has been provided by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), IPA, Caribbean Star Airlines, Raddison Suites, Cor Don Enterprises, Humphrey’s Bakery and Duckie’s General Store.
Holland also added that Channels Two and 65 have pledged to run the advertisements and promotions free.
The young promoter also noted that support has been forthcoming from President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Sport Gail Teixeira, the Chairman and Director of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Laurie Lewis and Neil Kumar, George Green of the NSC and Keith Bazilio, among others.
Meanwhile, Holland said that his card for April 16 ‘the Foreign Invasion’ is on track for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
He said that the main bout would feature O’Neil and Arista Logie while the main supporting bouts will have London meeting Christa Lassy -- both of Trinidad and Tobago,
He said the two bouts are in appreciation of what the women are doing in the sport.
Tickets for ringside are $1 200 while the stands will cost $600.
The card has been organised so that the tourists can have a welcome treat ahead of the West Indies One-day International against England on Sunday, April 18.