Organisers of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Champion of Champions extravaganza are expecting some overseas boxers on December 18-19 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
According to president of GABA, Steve Ninvalle this will be the last tournament of the year and some overseas boxers from the USA and Barbados have signalled their intention to compete. He said last week that the association is looking to end the year on a high note and with the inclusion of the foreign fighters this can be achieved.
Central American and Caribbean (CAC) bronze medallist Ray Sandiford is also expected to appear on the roster since his four-month ban will be up in mid December. Sandiford will no longer be competing as a featherweight, the division in which he won his medal in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in August, but as a bantamweight or lightweight.
Ninvalle said that all affiliated gyms have been notified and this tournament will add to the National Novice/Intermediate and Open championships, the Youth Tournament and the monthly Pro-Am cards that the GABA has had its boxers involved in for the year. He indicated that there will be a tight schedule next year for the association and the boxers.
One of the association’s focal point will be to have a cadre of boxers ready for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Another plan of the association is to continue with the development of the sport in outlying areas. Further, Ninvalle revealed that prior to the Champions of Champions box-off the association will be looking to have a high official from Trinidad & Tobago hold a two-day workshop for local judges and referees.
The GABA executive is currently working out the logistics for Trinidadian, James Beckles to come to Guyana to work with local officials. Ninvalle believes this will aid the sport in general and therefore it is imperative that officials are constantly upgraded to be on par with other officials outside of Guyana and changes in the sport’s rules and regulations.
