Guyana’s representatives at the ongoing International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships, Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock experienced mixed fortunes in the ring yesterday at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
While ‘Dynamite’ Desmond Amsterdam progressed to the round of-16 in the light heavyweight division, Allicock’s campaign ended in the round-of-32.
The prized featherweight lost his matchup unanimously, 0-5 on the judges scorecards to hometown prospect, Khalokv Abdumalik.
His defeat came on the heels of an impressive victory, a third round stoppage of Yhlas Gylychjanov of Turkmenistan in the round-of-64 stage on opening day of the Championships.
‘Dynamite’ however detonated against his opponent, Bulgaria’s Kristiyan Nikolov, winning via split decision on the scorecards.
With the win, the reigning Sportsman-of-the-Year, kept his medal hopes alive at the lucrative event which concludes on May 14.
Amsterdam’s next opponent will be Spain’s Gafurova Jalidov. The pair is scheduled to match gloves in three days (May 9) for a berth in the quarterfinals.
Seven defending World Champions are among those who are fighting for glory in Tashkent, including Sofiane Oumiha from France, Tomoya Tsuboi and Sewonrets Okazawa from Japan, Loren Alfonso from Azerbaijan, Saken Bibossinov from Kazakhstan, Yoenlis Hernandez Martinez and Julio La Cruz from Cuba to shine in the ring again.
Many more medallists from various World Championships editions are going to be in action where strong newcomers at the international stage and experienced participants are going to challenge the titleholders.
Doubled prize money fund of US$5.2 million is at stake, with gold medallists receiving US$200,000. For runners-up, the prize is US$100,000, and each of the third place is awarded with US$50,000. (Emmerson Campbell)
