SPORTS

Whittaker set for title fight in Cayman 

Charles Whittaker looks set to add to his collection of
titles on 22 October.

Friday,  September 16, 2005

After twice setting dates, and twice failing to secure the necessary sponsorship, it would seem that third time is the charm for Cayman boxer Charles Whittaker.

His WBC Caribbean Federation Junior Middleweight championship bout against Servando Pernales has been set for 22 October at Kings Sport Centre. The fight had originally been scheduled for 12 August, and was then moved to 17 September, but both tentative dates fell through because of a lack of sponsorship.

Apart from Whittaker’s title fight, the card is expected to include two more professional fights. It is also hoped that local amateur boxers will also have a chance to show what they are made of.

This will be Whittaker’s first fight since 4 September 2004, when he defeated Chantell Stancel for the IBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight Title in a 12-round battle. Whittaker took the title on a unanimous points decision.

“No one understands how hungry I am to fight again, and at home. For a year now I have been just watching. Now I can feel my blood pumping again,” Whittaker said.

But it’s not just about excitement for Whittaker; it’s about climbing further up the WBC World Ranking ladder.

“The WBC members have assured me that once I win this bout I will move up significantly in the rankings. At the moment I am ranked 32. The closer I get to the top, the closer I get to a World Championship, and that goal is something I want to reach,” he said.

Whittaker is also ranked 38th in the IBO light middleweight ranking. However, at age 31, Whittaker understands that the time is now, for although he still has some good years ahead of him, it is a long climb from 32nd to the top of the ladder.

“I want to fight again in December and would like to give part of the net profits to hurricane victims. This is my way of giving back,” he said.

His sister, Shernett Watson, formed a company called Knockout Productions Ltd to promote the fight.

The sponsors are Cambridge Real Estate, Big Daddy’s, Extreme Technologies, Bodden Holdings, Auto Spa, Budweiser, World Gym, Jungle Night Club, A & A Heavy Equipment, Department of Tourism, and Kings Sports Centre.

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