BOXING: Marques ready for Venezuelan challenge

By Avenash Ramzan

While he does not know much about his opponent Dionis Alberto Martinez Arias, Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques believes his strong preparation will land him on the right side of the result on January 20.

Marques, the reigning CABOFE and Guyana Flyweight champion, will square off with Arias of Venezuela in a 10-round Flyweight contest on the five-fight card, dubbed ‘Bad Blood’ or ‘Sangre Malo’, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The fight is pitted as the main showpiece of the card, which is being organised by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in partnership with MCG Inc.

Conditioning, Marques pointed out, has been his main area of focus during preparation. “I have been training for the past three months and going at it real hard. The preparation is coming good so far because I’ve been getting to do my morning and afternoon training so I’m just ready for the 20^th.”

He added, “So far I’m satisfied because I’m getting to work on what I want. I’m getting all the youngsters and all the top fighters (to spar) and all the top amateur fighters to work along with me, as well as some professional fighters and that is bringing out the best in me in my preparation. I’m so grateful for that.”

Arias has six wins, nine losses and two drawn encounters, while Marques currently has a record of 16-2-0, and is unbeaten in his last eight fights. Marques’ last defeat was against compatriot Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry in May 2011.

This fight is seen as a warm-up for Marques for his Commonwealth title shot against Jay Harris of Wales on March 31 at the Copperbox Arena.

Marques is the mandatory challenger for Harris, who is the current Commonwealth Flyweight title holder. That fight is being promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

“Honestly, I don’t know anything about any of these fighters, but as I said, I’m taking one fight at a time- deal with this fight here on the 20^th then when I finish with that I will take on the opponent for the championship, and for sure I will win that,” Marques related.

In the main supporting action, Sheldon Lawrence of Trinidad and Tobago will put his WBC Fecarbox Light Heavyweight title on the line against Guyanese Shawn Corbin, while hometown boy Dexter Gonsalves will face Felipe Larez Barcelo of Venezuela in a 10-round Lightweight contest.

The lone Bantamweight fight of the night will bring together Dharry and Venezuelan Jesus Vargas Garcia for eight rounds, while debutant James Moore will face Anderson Emmanuel of Barbados in a four-rough Heavyweight showdown. 

Tickets will be on sale at the Giftland Stores and Assuria General Insurance offices in Georgetown, Diamond, Berbice, Parika and Vreed-en-Hoop. Tickets cost $4,000 (VIP), $2,000 (Ringside) and $1,000 (Stands). 

Further information on the card can be had from the GBBC on 226-9236 or 226-9245 or NexGen Global Marketing Services on 668-7419 or 645-0944 or 231-0861.