Guyanese boxer lifts IBO World title

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry became the eighth Guyanese boxer to capture a World title when he defeated Tanzania’s Salim Kassim for the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) super bantamweight belt on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Dharry showed that experience can overcome youth when he earned a unanimous decision over the 22-year-old Kassim at the Pegasus Suites.

With the win, Dharry, who represents Gleason Boxing Gym in Brooklyn, improved his professional record in 33 fights to 26 wins, 15 KOs, six losses and a draw, while the African pugilist suffered his first defeat in 14-bouts.

Watched by a capacity crowd, which included President Irfaan Ali and other members of government, Dharry and Kassim provided plenty of entertainment in a gruelling contest which went the full 12 rounds.

After a quiet first round, Dharry was caught with a wicked right hand that sent him to the canvas, to the dismay of the raucous partisan crowd.

Dharry got up after receiving an eight-count and fought back with some good combinations to the head and body, but Kassim counterpunched towards the end of an enthralling round.

The third round saw a clash of heads, which resulted in Kassin requiring medical attention for the swelling over his right eye.

Dharry closed round five with some good body shots, followed by a crunching right hook that staggered Kassim, who was saved by the bell.

However, at the half-way stage Kassim, with hopes of being the first man from his country to win a world title, seemed to find his second wind.

By the 10th round Dharry began to tire, leading to him being caught with a straight right from the southpaw on his nose bridge, which resulted in bleeding.

Dharry retaliated with a right cross that rocked Kassim’s head as he stumbled to the ropes.

In the penultimate round, Kassim hit Dharry with shots to the body, even though the least punches were thrown in the final round with both boxers clearly tired.