A high level of discipline and commitment is expected of the four boxers during their three-month training stint in Cuba ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers in March.
This is according to key corner man, President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman-Yassin who briefly spoke to the quartet prior to departure yesterday at the National Gymnasium.
Yassin stated that he wished them “all the best” in Cuba and then committed $1M to the team for the Qualifiers which will be staged in Argentina from March 26 to April 3.
The stint in Cuba has been financed by the GOA to the tune of $US15,000 and the National Sports Commission ($2.5M).
Meanwhile, Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Terrence Poole, who will be traveling to Cuba with the boxers, Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas told Stabroek Sport what the three-month stint will entail.
“There will be a general prep phase then a lot of tactics and techniques. Those are some areas we will be really looking to improve on,” said Poole.
Poole added that while in Cuba, the boxers will be exposed to an elite level of training, sparring partners, medical checks and coaching and he expects them to improve.
He added that the length of training will be a major confidence booster for the standout pugilists.
“There will be many competitions and I expect them to build their confidence heading into the Qualifiers,” he said.
Sebert Blake, the other coach on the sojourn echoed similar sentiments of Poole while stating that he expects them to “learn as much and improve their skills and give themselves the best chances at the Qualifiers.”
Brief remarks were also made by President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle who also thanked the GOA and the NSC for being in the corner of the outfit.
