The Hindu : Sport : Canadians and Indians may figure in key clashes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 02, 2010
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Sports : General

Canadians and Indians may figure in key clashes

Abhijit Sen Gupta

NEW DELHI: Canada which has been a powerhouse in Commonwealth boxing, performed poorly on the last occasion. But now, at the 2010 Games in Delhi, Canada will be aiming to regain its past glory. The strongest contenders for Canada are Didier Bence in the 91-plus kg class and Steve Rolls in 75 kg class.

Steve Rolls (26), the reigning national champion in his weight, is a boxer who has the skills as well as the experience to make a big impact. To top it all, one of the coaches of the Canadian team is a person who is a very familiar figure for Steve - namely Dewith Frazer. The two of them have worked together for a long time and the coach knows just what his boxer needs to keep him going when the chips are down.

But Rolls' biggest challenge will probably be India's Vijender Singh. Steve, who had reached the last 16 at the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) world men's championship last year before losing to Vijender, will again be up against India's hot favourite at some point in the competition.

In addition to Rolls, the Canadian team also comprises Alejandro Rynn (60kg), Yves Ulyse (64kg), Custio Clayton (69kg), Colin Fish (81kg), Samir El-Mais (91kg) and Didier Bence (91-plus kg).

A hard-hitter

Bence, who is a tough-looking super heavyweight, stands an inch over six feet and weighs in at 104 kgs. This strongly built 23-year old is from Laval (Quebec) and has been likened to former World heavyweight champion Joe Frazier for his hustling and bustling style.

Bence will be facing a tough Indian opponent – Paramjeet Samota who won the gold medal in the Commonwealth championships held in March at the same venue. This could turn out to be a good contest if both boxers live up to expectations.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport