Rising Rounds
By Michelangelo Jacobus
Keyon Britton is a name to watch for the next few years in Guyana’s boxing scene. At just 16 years old, the junior champion in the 48-50 kg category has been making waves, winning all but one of his fights since stepping into the ring two years ago. That single loss? A controversial decision, according to his coach, Clifton Moore.
Britton’s journey in boxing began in an unexpected place, his home village of Farm, East Bank Essequibo. It was around Christmas 2022 when Coach Moore, on one of his usual scouting trips, came across a scuffle among some boys. One of them, small in stature but fierce in determination, caught his attention. That boy was Britton. Recognizing his raw fighting spirit, Moore encouraged him to join the gym, and by January 2023, Britton had thrown his first punches in an organized setting, at the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym.
Since then, his rise has been nothing short of impressive. Described as a precision puncher, Britton isn’t a typical aggressive fighter or a counterpuncher. Instead, he excels at setting up opponents before launching surprise attacks that leave them overwhelmed. Most of his fights end in stoppages, a testament to his swashbuckling style and ability to dominate in the ring.
Britton has already claimed three international victories, inclusive of a Gold Medal winning bout at the Caribbean Boxing Championships earlier this year, and with the upcoming Junior Schoolboys Competition and Youth Championship, his coach expects him to continue his winning streak.
The long-term goal is clear, by the time he turns 18, the plan is for him to become a national elite champion, setting the stage for an even bigger career. His potential has drawn comparisons to Guyana’s own Olympian Keevin Allicock, with Moore believing Britton has what it takes to not just match but surpass Allicock’s achievements.
However, challenges remain. Training at the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym has been tough due to inadequate facilities, with Moore himself having to set up makeshift resources. Additionally, Britton comes from a difficult background, and financial struggles pose a risk to his future in the sport. Many talented young fighters in Guyana are forced to abandon their boxing dreams in their late teens due to economic hardships, often leaving for jobs in the interior. Moore is determined to prevent this from happening to Britton, offering as much support as he can to ensure the young boxer stays focused.
For now, Britton continues to train in the afternoons while attending Leonora Secondary School. His dedication, skill, and hunger for success have already made him a standout talent in Guyana’s boxing fraternity. With the right support and opportunities, there’s no telling how far he can go.
