SPORTS
Come on Beckles
In a bid to rejuvenate wrestling in the Caribbean, All Caribbean Wrestling will host their inaugural event, dubbed Battle Kingdom, at the Woodbrook Youth Facility on Sunday from 2pm.
Seven matches are scheduled. Ticket prices range from $150-$200 and are available at Island Beer Grill, One Woodbrook Place and at the Sport Outlet, C3 Centre. People can also call 745-2226 or 310-4627.
Former American wrestling star and Olympic weightlifter Mark Henry is here for the event to help promote it and act as a special enforcer, ensuring all wrestlers fight clean.
On Saturday at a press conference held at the Hilton Hotel in St Ann, Henry said: “This is a monumental occasion because it means that All Caribbean Wrestling is on the map.”
He said that people who show up in the country are in for a treat.
“To be able to organize the talent that is on this particular card is pretty impressive. I love the fact that there is passion to have professional wrestling back in the Caribbean islands. It’s been a while since this level of fun has been in the Caribbean islands and now it’s officially back.”
All Caribbean Wrestling Chief Operating Officer Jillian Ferguson is on a mission to make wrestling popular again.
“Wrestling was big in the 80s but in the 90s it kind of fizzled out. However, the appetite for wrestling didn’t and it’s still here and we’re reviving the live aspect of pro wrestling at TT. We’ll have live shows regularly with international professional wrestlers, some of whom are here today.”
All Caribbean Wrestling Director Akil Samuel is previewing the event on Sunday.
“We are excited to launch this venture,” said Samuel.
Henry thanked the sponsors, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, along with the Hilton Hotel, where many of the wrestlers are staying.
All Caribbean Wresting also has plans to establish a wrestling school in TT.
Henry said the school will produce wrestlers who will compete in events held by All Caribbean Wrestling.
“It is very possible that the school they will create together will be able to produce top talent in the Caribbean and hopefully the previous talent that have come through the training programs will also be in these shows.”
American AJ Francis will do it against Daniel “Trini Dan” Williams.
Both wrestlers are safe ahead of the match.
Francis, who is taller and heavier than Williams, said: “Look at him (Williams). The guy’s 187 pounds wet with bricks in his pockets … the last time we faced off, I showed he didn’t it was nobody.
Francis, who predicts the match will last 90 seconds, said: “I think my entrance might be longer than the match… I’ll give you a double entrance and then I’ll give you time extra after the match to give the people what they paid for.”
Francis said he doesn’t get paid by the hour, so the sooner the match ends the better.
Williams, who grew up in Diego Martin, said he will not let Francis win at the TT.
“The last time we faced him was in Kansas (in the USA). Now we in the Caribbean, we’re on my land, we’ve got the atmosphere down here…you’re not just facing Trini Dan, you’re facing the whole Caribbean, Mr. Francis and as I always say, empty barrels make the most noise.”
Williams said, “Small sword cuts big trees.”
Williams said how the smaller fighter will be tactical during the fight.
England’s Thom Latimer and Colombian women’s fighter Paola Mayfield are also part of the card.
There will be a tag team match where Prince Agballah and General Oba Zo will compete against Parrow and Odinson.
