After shortlisting a team, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is currently working with world governing body, International Boxing Association (AIBA), to lace up the loose ends pertaining to COVID-19 testing and protocols ahead of the Youth World Boxing Championships in Poland.
The April 10-24 championships will be held under the motto “Protect yourself and others at all times,” noting the importance of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are trying to get all the necessary arrangements in place,” President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle was quoted as saying yesterday.
Ninvalle further disclosed that Richard Howard (60kg), Mark Crawford (64 kg), Abiola Jackman (75kg), and Emanuel Pompey (75 kg), are the pugilists shortlisted to potentially represent the Golden Arrowhead at the event.
Ninvalle, who stated that Lennox Daniels will be tasked with coaching the young ambassadors on the sojourn, further noted that the boxers are currently working under the watchful eyes of Terrence Poole, Sebert Blake, and Daniels.
He envisions an encampment prior to the squad’s departure on April 8.
Despite the hefty $700,000 price tag to get one member of the five-person team to Poland, Ninvalle underscored the tournament’s importance.
“It is very important for us to try and get this team at the World Youth Championships. If I am correct, this is the first time that Guyana will have a team at the World Youth Championships in boxing.”
“It is a good competition to wet your feet at and each and every one on that team can be competitive. Ms Jackman, we expect many good things from her. She has already conquered the Caribbean and I think the time is ripe for her to go further afield in the world, it will be a learning experience.” He added
Jackman was a gold medalist at the last Caribbean Boxing Championships, while Pompey was a gold medalist at the last Caribbean School Boys and Juniors competition.
The age eligibility is for boxers born between January 01, 2002, and December 31, 2003.
Initially scheduled for November 2 to 9 last year, the championships for men and women were moved to next month due to the pandemic. The tournament is set to be held at the Hala Legionow Sports Complex in Kielce, which can seat 3,000 fans. (Emmerson Campbell)
