14.06.05 – The land that produced Vivian Harris, Wayne Braithwaite, Andrew Lewis, Sean Garnett and Lennox Blackmore, just to name a few, is also making a name for itself in women’s boxing. On July 9, light heavyweight champion Gwendolyne O’Neil (10-4-1) from Georgetown, Guyana, will defend her title against Kathy Rivers (14-5) as part of the “A Ring Of Their Own” women’s boxing series..
The fight is a rematch of a close bout that O’Neil won by decision in May 2004. Rivers is coming off an impressive KO win over highly rated Nicky Eplion. O’Neil is on a winning streak, with her most recent victory coming over Crystal Lessey.
The show will be the first boxing card in Guyana ever telecast back to the United States. Rock & Sock Productions, promoters of “AROTO,” will distribute the show to approximately 30 million households in the U.S. Air dates and times will be available shortly by going to the “AROTO” website – www.aringoftheirown.com.
The theme of the rest of the card will continue to be Guyana vs. the United States, and will include four other bouts. The undercard will be announced later this month.
National Sports Hall will host the event. Local promoter Seon Bristol of Briso Promotions said, “We’re all very excited to showcase Guyana and its women fighters back to the U.S. It’s also a chance for Kathy and Gwendolyn to settle an old score.”
Arnie “Tokyo” Rosenthal of Rock & Sock Productions said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lennox Blackmore and Sean Garnett for years. They’ve told me a lot about their country. I can’t wait to see it for myself and, of course, take in the fights.”
Briso and Rock & Sock have had such a good reaction already that they are planning another card before the year is out.
Ken Weiss of Rock & Sock has promised the winner of the Rivers-O’Neill bout a spot on their coveted Pay Per View show coming this November. The working title of that show is, “The Best Night Of Women’s Boxing Ever.”
A Ring Of Their Own is the only all women’s boxing series, and is promoted and produced exclusively by Rock & Sock Productions.