T&T’s Omar Smith kicked his way to a unanimous decision victory in his Caribbean kick-boxing title fight with Suriname’s Joey Banai at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena (CRISA), Chaguanas on Saturday night.
In an action-packed contest Banai, a game opponent, struggled to cope with the speed and agility of a feisty Smith. He survived an eight-count in the third round but stormed back to land a few good kicks of his own. Smith however switched stance and used his straight left effectively, landing punches at will to his opponents body, before the Suriname countered from a show of grit to keep himself in the fight in the latter rounds.
In the end however Smith, the Rough House fighter, got the approval of the judges with all three ruling in his favour. Afterwards Rough House coach Adam De Silva openly showed his pleasure for his fighter’s performance and victory, and thanked Smith’s sponsor Kee-Chanona Ltd for its assistance in making the fight possible. De Silva, an ex mixed martial arts champion also praised the Surinamese team for their effort.
In the semi-main event, Prem Jagdeo outpointed Andell Lakhan to snatch the National welterweight title. Jadgeo, a last minute replacement for Vimal Jagoo who fell ill, was patient in his attacks while the taller figure of Andell tried to take advantage of his long-range kicks and punches in the early rounds, but at the end of the bruising four-round contest, Jadgeo was adjudged the winner on points.
In another hotly contested affair Nicholas “Hurry Boy” Persad proved that his victory over Royel Haynes last year, was no fluke as he produced a classic display of bobbing and weaving his way out of harm’s way, before landing solid punches to gain the advantage in the early rounds. And in the final round of the four-round bout, Persad made sure of the win, despite being cautioned for running.
Evolution Fitness’ Shane Ramsanahie continued his winning streak by stopping his opponent after just a minute and 34 seconds into the first round while first timers Yusaf Kenedie and Zane Babooram gave a good account of themselves in a back- and- forth encounter, but Kenedie prevailed by split decision for his first competitive result.
In another much anticipated bout Anil “Tech Guy” Lutchman edged out Keston Andrews after both were involved in a contest that could have gone in any direction.
Andrews who appeared better at boxing accumulated much needed points, but he could not stop Lutchman who landed his kicks freely to gain the judges’ nod for the win.
Later Donnel Phillips made light work of his rival Daniel Sookdeo, stopping him after just 57 seconds into the first round.
Promoter Bharrat Ramoutar believes the card would auger well for the future of the sport as a number of schools also participated. “The fights were of really good quality, with even the beginners showing great potential.
The feedback from the crowd, which was one of the biggest ever, indicated that fight fans were quite satisfied and are looking forward to the next Fine Line promotion. The mix of so many different clubs brought a lot of varying styles to the table and this will encourage the growth and development of all the athletes.” Ramnoutar said after the card.
The card got the support of a number of corporate citizens including the National Lotteries Control Board, Kee-Chanona Ltd, Chaguanas Auto Supplies, Print Art Services, Monisec Security and Bodyguard Services, Francis Townhomes, Toby’s Bar, Fan Zone, V&N Auto Supplies, Evolution Fitness, Deonarine Small Engine Repairs, Rattansingh’s Tyre Shop, Sonny’s Auto Spare Parts, Marissa Mohammed and Sew Rite Variety Store.
Ramoutar said the T&T Kick-Boxing Federation is hoping that the success of the card will encourage the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to resolve the long-standing issue between them.
WALTER ALIBEY