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kenyan_cheena · 08-24-2006, 10:41 PM

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT DUO IMPRESS
AT CANNES SELECTION TRIALS

Thursday 16 May 2002

One is a tough 17 year-old who has been fighting as an amateur since the age of 14. The other is a 28 year-old showman from Marseilles with a penchant for pipe smoking. Both have caught the eye of scouts at the International Boxing League's selection trials at the Palais Des Sports in Cannes during the past four days.

Both Light-Heavyweights, Georges Carpentier (17) and Petite Fourie (28) have put their hands up as certainties for the IBL's regional World Championship qualifying tournament.

Having started as a Welterweight in the amateur ranks, Carpentier will fight as a Light-Heavyweight in the IBL. Standing 5'11", the Lens-born teenager has displayed not only quick hands but also surprising punching power, with a killer right hand and good footwork.

"He's really going to be one to watch," said the IBL's Malcolm North. "Because he started so young, he's already a lot further along than others his age. He has a great brain for the sport, a cunning ring tactician. He told me that ever since he started back in '99, he has just lived and breathed boxing. His friends are still messing around, getting in trouble with girls and the law, but Georges has no desire for any of that. The French Olympic team overlooked him for Sydney because they thought he was too young, but this kid just has a natural talent. I would have loved to see him in action down in Australia. Before we came into the picture, he was preparing for Athens but he's forgotten all about that now. He's already said that becoming the inaugural IBL Light-Heavyweight World Champion is his first goal, so that tells you how serious he is."

Fourie is quite an unusual fellow. At times, he has shown an extroverted, flamboyant disposition out of the ring, while also being laid back and mellow. He is much more analytical and deliberate inside the ring, with the IBL scout's report stating that he "lacks aggression and a killer instinct", but also mentioning that he is an "intelligent fighter with a solid defense and excellent stamina" and that he is "economical but accurate" with his punches.

He's been a favourite of the local press during these past four days, entertaining them with amusing, odd anecdotes and observations. His lack of aggression during the trial bouts has earned him the nickname "The French Pastry", but it's pretty clear to this reporter that he'll be anything but when the IBL's tournaments commence. He may not score many knockouts, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the words "unanimous decision" next to his name quite often in the future.

(to be continued)

08-24-2006, 10:41 PM	#68 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,178	LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT DUO IMPRESS AT CANNES SELECTION TRIALS Thursday 16 May 2002 One is a tough 17 year-old who has been fighting as an amateur since the age of 14. The other is a 28 year-old showman from Marseilles with a penchant for pipe smoking. Both have caught the eye of scouts at the International Boxing League's selection trials at the Palais Des Sports in Cannes during the past four days. Both Light-Heavyweights, Georges Carpentier (17) and Petite Fourie (28) have put their hands up as certainties for the IBL's regional World Championship qualifying tournament. Having started as a Welterweight in the amateur ranks, Carpentier will fight as a Light-Heavyweight in the IBL. Standing 5'11", the Lens-born teenager has displayed not only quick hands but also surprising punching power, with a killer right hand and good footwork. "He's really going to be one to watch," said the IBL's Malcolm North. "Because he started so young, he's already a lot further along than others his age. He has a great brain for the sport, a cunning ring tactician. He told me that ever since he started back in '99, he has just lived and breathed boxing. His friends are still messing around, getting in trouble with girls and the law, but Georges has no desire for any of that. The French Olympic team overlooked him for Sydney because they thought he was too young, but this kid just has a natural talent. I would have loved to see him in action down in Australia. Before we came into the picture, he was preparing for Athens but he's forgotten all about that now. He's already said that becoming the inaugural IBL Light-Heavyweight World Champion is his first goal, so that tells you how serious he is." Fourie is quite an unusual fellow. At times, he has shown an extroverted, flamboyant disposition out of the ring, while also being laid back and mellow. He is much more analytical and deliberate inside the ring, with the IBL scout's report stating that he "lacks aggression and a killer instinct", but also mentioning that he is an "intelligent fighter with a solid defense and excellent stamina" and that he is "economical but accurate" with his punches. He's been a favourite of the local press during these past four days, entertaining them with amusing, odd anecdotes and observations. His lack of aggression during the trial bouts has earned him the nickname "The French Pastry", but it's pretty clear to this reporter that he'll be anything but when the IBL's tournaments commence. He may not score many knockouts, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the words "unanimous decision" next to his name quite often in the future. (to be continued) __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond...