T&T's flyweight champion Ria Ramnarine looked like a confident fighter as she hit the scale during the weigh-in yesterday at the Mas Camp Pub, French Street and Ariapita Avenue, for her clash tonight with Paulina Cardona of Colombia at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena, Saith Park, Chaguanas. Both fighters tipped the scale at 108 pounds. Ramnarine, who won a controversial split decision win over Ana Fernandez of Venezuela, on July 30, to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim and the World Boxing Council (WBC) Cabofe titles, is looking for an improved showing. Her opponent this time around seems to be less of a threat than the Venezuelan.
However, one should never judge the book by its cover. The fight against Fernandez left a bad taste in the mouth of many fans and boxing lovers, and the T&T champion is now keen on giving 100 per cent more than she gave on that night in July, in an effort to regain public support. It will not be an easy assignment, in terms of winning back the support, but she is willing to make the effort. The kickboxer said she was focused on the job at hand. "Physically, I am fine; mentally, I am focused. I cannot wait to get into the ring." She said she was confident that the preparatory work done was enough to ensure a victory. "I have to incorporate everything that I have learnt during my training, and try and use it on Saturday night. I don't know if I will be required to use all, but I do know that this is what will bring me through."
RIGHT: WBC Cabofe light-heavyweight and WBE cruiserweight title holder Shawn Corbin, centre, poses for the camera at the Mas Camp Pub French Street and Ariapita Avenue, during the weigh-in for his bout with Curtis Murray of Barbados set for tonight at the Central Regional Indoor Sport Arena, Chaguanas. Photo: Marcus Gonzales.
Cardona stands at 5' 3," with a record of 14 wins (six kos), six defeats and four draws. The local media was unable to communicate with the Colombian, since there was no translator, something which was also missing when Ramnarine took on Fernandez. One thing is sure: somebody's gloves will be talking tonight. Whether it will be Ria's or Cardona's is left to be seen. The main supporting bout of the card will feature WBC Cabofe light-heavyweight and WBE cruiserweight titles holder Shawn Corbin, who was expected to take on Alejandro Roca Cardaso of Brazil for the Fedelatin title. He will now match gloves with Curtis Murray of Barbados. Doratha Rivas of the United States will take on Jirald Mansoon in a super welterweight clash. There is also expected to be a wrestling and a mixed martial-arts bout on the card, which starts at seven o'clock.
