The high level pre Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games training camp involving pugilists from Guyana and Barbados was literally in full swing yesterday at Camp Ayanganna.
Fighters from each territory went toe-to-toe in the sweat soaked and highly competitive sparring session, swinging and battling at the central base of the local army.
Under the watchful eyes of newly certified IBA Cut Technician and the GBA’s Technical Director, Terrence Poole, Cuban coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan along with Barbadian Coach, Mark Inniss, the fighters were in full attack mode.
Charles Cox (light heavyweight), Tyreec Taitt (light middleweight) and Ju-Sean Shepherd (bantamweight), are the visiting male boxers from Barbados who will be part of the camp until . Barbados’ highest ranked female middleweight boxer, Kimberly Gittens (world ranked #10) told this publication that she is set to depart for Puerto Rico on Sunday for the second leg of her training camp.
The GBA has named a formidable four-man boxing team for the Games led by Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, Emanuel Pompey and Joel Williamson.
According to Poole, the camp augurs well for fighters of both territories since iron sharpens iron and the high level training and sparring will only enhance their chances of climbing the podium steps at the Championships scheduled to be held in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic from June 23 to July 8.
“Simply because of the high quality of the sparring sessions, both teams will benefit from this camp. Barbados decided to come because they know it will be of benefit and for us in Guyana, we think the same way.”
Poole opined that sparring with international boxers will enable the locals to step up their game.
The GBA’s Technical Director stated that the vision is for Guyana to become the ‘Mecca’ for boxing in the Region and the association is always willing to accept visiting contingents since everyone involved will benefit.
“This camp is very, very important for both teams in terms of preparation for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games” Poole reiterated.
He divulged that during the camp, the coaching staff’s aim is to improve the techniques and the controlled aggression of the boxers
Poole stated that the charges look about 75% ready and by the time the Games box off, they should be fully ready to compete.
