Olympian, Keevin Allicock has sternly refuted claims that he was dropped from the AMBC Continental Championships team claiming that it was in fact his decision to withdraw from training camp due to a hip injury sustained while in training.
During an interview with this publication and in a lengthy and scathing post on his Facebook page, Allicock stated that the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has changed the narrative which he deems was “malicious” since he has a reputation as a true patriot.
In media outlets there were headlines which stated that ‘GBA drops Allicock from AMBC Championship team’ citing his lack of commitment to training. However, the orthodox prize-fighter took a firm stance, stating that it was not true.
“It was my decision to withdraw from the training,” said Allicock yesterday.
“I told the coaches more than two weeks ago that I am injured and mentally not prepared to continue to train for this championships.”
Allicock reiterated, “I made the decision to not attend the American
Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Continental Championships. I recently suffered two injuries and I’m not mentally and physically prepared to enter the ring. I’ve determined this outcome for myself due to how my body has
been responding subsequently to the injuries I sustained while training.”
According to the 22 year-old, he is always excited to represent the Golden Arrowhead and always gives 100% but is currently hampered by a hip injury. He added that he has never traveled to Ecuador where the March 22- April 2 event will be staged and was eager to compete and rebound following back to back losses in his last two fights. He however stated that he is well traveled and at this point of his career it is not about getting stamps in his passport but winning and improving his international record.
“The last thing I would want is to go back into the ring and disappoint my family, friends and supporters. My current focus is to recover and re-strategize just in time for the Commonwealth Championship which I last medaled with silver in 2018.” The highest rated amateur pugilist in Guyana disclosed that he competed injured before but will unable to do so again at this event.
“Both times that I’ve suffered injuries, my determination and self-discipline drove me to sideline my personal wellbeing just to fulfill the passion of my sport. I did it because boxing is my passion and I love doing it.”
The three-time Caribbean championships gold medal winner could have made bank at the lucrative event since the medallists in each of 13 men and 12 women weight categories, according to the AMBC, will receive prize money, US$10,000 for first place, $5,000 (second) and $2,500 for third place.
Allicock concluded by saying that he hopes the reports do not put a stain on him and he would not require a public apology, rather he just wants to be understood.
“People see reports like these and it is these stains that lasts for a while. I do not require a public apology, but I do hope that I am heard and understood.”
