The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) came out winner by a split decision in 2017 after having to jab several obstacles to score victories in and out the ring.
Despite fighting against the lack of sponsorship, a formidable and perennial rival, the GBA was still able to stage all of its local and international competitions which were scheduled for the year.
The GBA hosted their flagship National Open Championships along with the, National Novice and National Intermediate tournaments.The association also hosted the second edition of the International School Boys and Juniors Tournament.
A collaborative effort involving the GBA and Briso Promotions saw the biggest turnout for a Boxing Day card in recent memory.
The highlight of 2017 was undoubtedly Keevin Allicock’s silver medal finish at the Commonwealth Youth Games which was held in The Bahamas. Allicock along with Desmond Amster-dam and Colin Lewis also snared gold medals at the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in St Lucia. Joel Williamson who was part of the four-man team in St Lucia, copped a silver.
Said President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle last week. “2017 has been a successful year for us in a sense that we were able to clinch an elusive Commonwealth medal. We were also able to attend several overseas tournaments.”
Guyanese fighters were present at the South American Youth Games in Chile, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the Caribbean Development Boxing Tourna-ment.
The appointment of Ninvalle to the Executive Committee of the sports’ governing body, AIBA, was also a highlight for the year 2017.
In 2017 through Lawrence Assannah, Guyana ushered in another One-Star AIBA certified Referee/Judge after he successfully passed the theoretical and practical exams in St Lucia.
Looking ahead to 2018, Ninvalle plans to mirror the successful achievements of this year and then some.
