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Going it alone

Potts (G) claims not seeking Govt help for Sinnette fight

By Roger Seepersad

The projected budget for Kirt Sinnette's upcoming WBC light heavyweight title fight on August 30 is $654,000 and the fight's promoter, Giovanni Potts, insisted he will not approach the Ministry of Sport for funding.

Potts, speaking at a news conference at the Ministry's headquarters in Port of Spain yesterday, said boxing will be moving in a different direction in Trinidad and Tobago and Unified Promotions will be leading the charge.

Potts said: "I have taken a decision... I am going to go corporate with boxing. Over the years we have been very dependent on the Ministry of Sport.

"This card will not be funded by the Ministry, and I am not going to go to them for any financial support.

"We are looking for corporate sponsors to come on board. We have already had negotiations with ESPN, Sportsmax and Caribbean Media Network.

"This is the direction we want to carry boxing in T&T," he said.

Potts added: "Boxing is to become an industry and not wholly dependent on government funding."

He said Sinnette will be headlining the August 30 card and that if the T&T boxer is successful, he will go on to face Chad Dawson in a WBC World Title fight.

However, Potts said Sinnette's opponent on August 30 is still not confirmed.

"He said they were looking at a list of seven to eight possible opponents, including Chris Henry and Glen Johnson who were asking for $20,000 and $30,000 respectively for the fight.

Potts said by next week, Sinnette's opponent will be finalised.

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