The ‘holy grail’ of amateur boxing in Guyana will take centre stage this evening following a three year absence as the Terrence Ali National Open Championship commences at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
The event will conclude the competitive year for the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle during an invited comment, said, “It will be an historic tournament, we expect over 10 fights on the first night. With big names such as Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis, Keevin Allicock, and Alesha and Abigail Jackman, the public can expect three days of boxing excitement.”
The local governing authority, in a move to further incentivize and develop the discipline, will financially compensate the top three finishers (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) within each weight class of the Elite Division, which is the crème de crème of the local amateur circuit.
This significant pronouncement follows in the footsteps of the International Boxing Association (IBA) increasing their prize pool by a mammoth 50% for the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 1 to 14. Due to this decision, Guyana became the first nation to compensate its Elite amateur pugilists in the English-speaking Caribbean.
‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam, who is the highest ranked local IBA pugilist (23rd), following his outstanding displays at the Commonwealth Games, as well as bronze medal achievements at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Championship, and South American Games, is the headliner of the tournament.
Similarly, 54th ranked Allicock, who also captured a bronze medal at the South American Games, will also be in action.
