Boxing superstars are not born into the role; they earn that title by paying their dues usually in the amateur ranks then onwards and upwards to the pay-per view arenas that holds the sport’s true riches. Tomorrow and Saturday, the cream of the nation’s amateur pugilists will be in action under the bright lights of the Bartica Community Centre ground competing on the Champions of Champions card with aspirations of someday fighting for riches under bright lights in pay-per view arenas.
Best boxer of last weekend’s National Open Championships, Dennis Thomas, triple champion Desmond Amsterdam and runner up best boxer of the championships, Bert Braithwaite are some of the notable boxers that will compete on the card.
New lightweight champion, Imran Khan, former lightweight champion, Stephan Gouveia, welterweight champion, Eon Bancroft and bantamweight champion, Stephon Need will also feature on the open air event. According to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, history will be made on the two-night card as a flurry of punches will be thrown for the first time in Bartica.
“This is the first amateur competition to be held in Bartica so it’s a history making event, it will be held under floodlights and we envisage two nights filled with top amateur boxing”. Ninvalle also revealed that Khan who defeated Gouveia in a three- round thriller last weekend will clash again on the card.
Technical Director of the GBA, Terrence Poole disclosed that in excess of 40 combatants from gyms like the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Tiger Eye, Pocket Rocket, Rose Hall Jammers, Essequibo, Young Achievers, Harpy Eagles, GDF, Republican and Police will be in fistic action. Poole also disclosed that Simon Pures from Bartica will also be in the ring. The event which is a collaborative effort which involves Banks DIH Limited, Red Earth Promotions and the GBA will be sponsored under the Banks Premium beer brand. Shawn Wilson, Chairman of Red Earth Promotion stated that he “expects a large turn out and exciting bouts for the two-night competition”.
The pugilists will be vying for trophies and medals.
