Without throwing a punch, Keevin Allicock lost his bid on Monday to clinch a berth in the semifinal of the Pan Am Qualifiers currently underway in Nicaragua but President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle is putting up a fight outside the ropes.
According to Ninvalle, the bantamweight pugilist inexplicably lost by walk over to Alexy De Cruz of the Dominican Republic after the fight supervisor deemed the colour of his vest inappropriate for competition.
The GBA head has since written to the powers that be for a swift and “favourable response.”
Clinching a semifinal berth would have punched a ticket for Allicock to the 2019 Pan Am Games, which will be hosted in Lima, Peru from July 26 to August 11th.
Ninvalle told Stabroek Sport yesterday that Allicock who was scheduled to box out of the red corner, was attired in a red and black vest one hour after he was inspected and given clearance by the International Technical Officer (ITO).
“Mr. Allicock was also allowed into the ring by the referee who saw nothing wrong with his attire. However, the supervisor intervened just before the start of the fight with the claim.”
Ninvalle stated that Allicock was given one minute (60 seconds) to leave the ring, go to the changing room and return ‘properly attired’.
However, upon his return it was deemed that he lost by walk over.
Ninvalle disclosed that a protest was immediately filed but the supervisor remained steadfast and unflinching. The new rules of AIBA 48.3.4 state that a boxer can compete in his national colours.
“Red and black are colours of our national flag” said Ninvalle who added. “The Guyana Boxing Association finds the ruling of the supervisor as unjust, unreasonable, unsportsmanlike, excessive, and unwarranted and that which goes against the grain of what the new ABIA is promoting.
In my personal capacity of president of the GBA and Chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee, I have dispatched protests to both the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) and AIBA for this ruling to be overturned and expect a favourable response.”
In response to Ninvalle’s letter, AIBA’s Interim President, Dr. Mohamed Moustahsane emailed the following:
Dear Steve
AIBA and AMBC and TR commission is following the case and will make decision according to AIBA rules and the best interest of the boxers and the sport.
Best regards
Dr. Mohamed Moustahsane
AIBA Interim President
AFBC President
Up to press time, Ninvalle stated that there were no further updates. The Qualifiers conclude tomorrow.
