The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) is confident all of its boxers will return with medals from the CAC games set for July 22-31 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
President of the GABA Steve Ninvalle told Stabroek Sport that more than $2 million had been spent to prepare the team for the championships. He said the boxers have all shown great determination and have been focussed throughout their encampment in Sophia. He said they know what is expected of them as representatives of Guyana and no form of indiscipline will be tolerated; delinquency will result in errant persons being sent home.
The six boxers and three officials will form part of the largest contingent for the CAC championships since 1993. Ninvalle said the corporate community has given the team tremendous support and he believes that this augurs well for the development of the sport as it is currently making strides again after years of inactivity. The GABA president said too government and corporate Guyana’s largesse will aid in giving the boxers exposure to fighters who may be more experienced. In return, he said, supporters will see an organisation that is committed to accountability.
One of the coaches leaving with the team, Sebert Blake, said that the boxers are in the fight preparation phase and they are almost 90% ready for their tasks. The team will be headed by junior Commonwealth silver medallist Clevlon Rock. Rock said he is in good condition and that he will expects team members to support each other while overseas. The team also comprises Herlando Allicock, Dexter Jordan and Bert Braithwaite, Ray Sandiford and Devon Boatswain.
