– Co-ordinator
Co-ordinator of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association six-month pilot programme for schoolboys and junior boxers, Sebert Blake said that he was pleased with the overwhelming response from the gyms when the first installment of the programme was held on Sunday at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown.
In addition, President of the GABA Steve Ninvalle expressed similar sentiments claiming it was heartening to see the number of young boxers the gyms from around the country fielded. Ninvalle envisions that the developmental programme will not only improve the skills of the nursery but the sport can look forward to a bright future.
Further, both men expressed appreciation for the gusto displayed by the young Simon Pures and now they believe that the time has come for the sport to be equally distributed in Guyana. Judging from the success of the card, they think that more people will want to support the sport and this can be achieved if it is not restricted to the capital city.
They revealed that next month the action will be going to Berbice and this will be one of the occasions to have the GABA development programme reach out to the place that has produced the association’s most recent affiliated gyms. Rose Hall Bombers and the Central New Amsterdam gyms were recently formed and became affiliate members of the GABA last Wednesday.
Ninvalle said that he was grateful to Blake, the brainchild behind the programme and also a coach at the FYF gym, and he hopes that the programme will continue to grow so that young boxers can develop in a holistic way.
The other coordinator of the programme is national boxing coach Wincel Thomas and they are being assisted by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) trainer Terrence Poole.
Meanwhile, initially where there were 20 fights scheduled to take place on Sunday, the GABA had to increase this to 34 due to the number of fighters who were present.
Further, Stabroek Sport was told that 10 fighters were unable to compete from the 78-man field and 10 gyms took part in the tournament.
Meanwhile, in the schoolboys’ category Eon Griffith and Dewanie Lampkin of the FYF Gym were winners in the 80-84 pound weight class. Joel and Richard Williamson stood out for New Amsterdam’s Pocket Rocket Gym with wins in the schoolboys and junior categories respectively. Richard fought as a Bantamweight in the junior division.
Essequibo Boxing Gym’s schoolboy winners were Shaka and Andel Moore in the 65-69 pound division.
Blake said he was impressed with the prospects he saw from Essequibo while Ninvalle expressed surprise that the gym had registered to participate especially when one considers the unique geographical layout of the Cinderella County.
Blake pointed out that Daniel Tappin of the Timehri Warriors Gym and Junior Bowen and Keevin Allicock of the Harpy Eagles also stood out at the championships and much more is expected in the next round.
