Amateur boxers Herlando Allicock and Dexter Jordan have stepped up their training for the Central American and Caribbean Games and both expressed confidence that they will return with gold medals.
After working out at the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown, 21-year-old Jordan indicated to Stabroek Sport last week that he commenced his training almost two months ago for the games which will be held in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico from July 22-31.
He said that it was an honour to represent Guyana and he will remain focused to ensure that he reaches the medal rounds of the CAC championships.
The flyweight southpaw fighter, who is also Guyana’s flyweight champion for the past two years, has won over 100 fights with nine losses. He stated that his training is going well and his coach Sebert Blake has been inspirational throughout.
Meanwhile, Allicock has also lauded the work of Blake and he is satisfied with his preparation for the major championships.
Allicock said that his main focus at this time is to “train hard and get to Puerto Rico and win gold for Guyana.”
The junior flyweight Simon Pure, who has been boxing since 2004, said that he is determined to have a distinguished career in the sport, citing the Olympic Games as his ultimate dream before he moves to the professional ranks.
Allicock, 20, declared that boxing means a lot to him and because of his love for the sport and his ‘big heart’, Guyana will see the best of him in Puerto Rico.
He explained to Stabroek Sport that he is a strategic fighter and understands what he has to do in the ring when he steps up against his opponent. He gave this newspaper a rundown of his last fight, which was at the Princess Hotel last Saturday.
He said that fundamental boxing eventually got the better of his opponent. According to Allicock he is a good listener and that has brought him success over the years.
In the meantime, amateur fighters are preparing for the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Intermediate Boxing Tournament scheduled to begin on June 18-20 at a venue to be announced. During a visit to the FYF gym yesterday Stabroek Sport saw many of the local amateur boxers working with Blake and national coach Wincel Thomas.
Blake, who will be co-coordinating the tournament, said that the committee is currently working out the logistics for the tournament and all other information will be made available at a later date.