Guyana’s boxing team departed these shores last evening for Castries, St. Lucia, ready to showcase their skill and determination in the 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship. This edition of the tournament, running until March 3, marks the return of the prestigious regional event after a four-year hiatus.
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has assembled its largest-ever contingent, sending 16 elite and emerging boxers with the goal of reclaiming regional supremacy. Before their departure, the team gathered at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, where they received words of encouragement from GBA President Steve Ninvalle.
“I want you to go out there and do your best; leave everything in the ring,” Ninvalle urged the fighters. “We want to win, but remember, whatever the judges decide, that’s what we have to accept. But I believe in each of you, and I know you will go out there and make us all proud.”
Leading the charge for Team Guyana is Olympian Keevin Allicock (57kg), a three-time Caribbean Championship gold medallist in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Allicock has remained undefeated in this tournament and is determined to extend his dominance in St. Lucia.
He is joined by a star-studded lineup, including Colin Lewis (67kg), Travis Inverary (71kg), Emanuel Pompey (92kg), and Aluko Bess (86kg). The team’s strength extends to the women’s division, with Alesha and Abiola Jackman leading the charge alongside Zidnan Wray (91+kg), adding further depth across multiple weight classes.
A key contender for gold is middleweight standout Desmond Amsterdam (75kg), a silver medallist at the 2023 Elite Championship. He is accompanied by Ronalo Sutton (51kg), Joel Williamson (63.5kg), and Leon Albert (60kg), all eager to make a statement on the regional stage. The junior division will feature rising stars Ken Harvey (57-60kg), Keyon Britton (48-50kg), and Lennox Lawrence (54-57kg), all aiming to gain invaluable experience. Meanwhile, the youth division boasts Tofina Barker (54kg), Simeon Haymer (63-66kg), Joshua Tambaran (52kg), and Terroz Wintz (66-70kg), representing the next generation of Guyanese boxing talent.
Guiding the team from the corner is a seasoned coaching staff, including National Coach Lennox Daniels, renowned Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, Clifton Moore, and Jeff Roberts. Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring Guyana’s boxers perform at their peak throughout the tournament.
The Caribbean Boxing Championship has long been the proving ground for the region’s top amateur fighters, and Guyana has consistently been a dominant force. Reflecting on past performances, Ninvalle reminded the team of their nation’s rich boxing legacy. “The only reason we didn’t win in 2019 is because we didn’t have a large contingent,” he stated. “But this time around, we know that you will bring back the title to Guyana.”
Guyana last claimed the overall championship title on home soil in 2018 and delivered a strong performance in 2019 in Trinidad and Tobago.
