By Kizan Brumell

A flurry of punches is set to be launched today when the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association’s (GABA) Open national championships get underway at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The tournament, which is sponsored by Gaskin and Jackson Jewellers will last for three nights and boxers from numerous gyms around Guyana are set to battle their way to the top in an amateur ring rebuilt by Ralph Hemsingh and staff to international standard.

A total of 11 boxing gyms are billed to participate including the newly formed Timehri Warriors along with Republican, Harpy’s Eagle, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Essequibo, Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym, Mocha Arcadia, Sophia, Ricola and Bagotsville.

The boxing contingent that resides outside of Georgetown which numbers over 70 will be housed at the National Gymnasium and meals will  be provided for them on all the days they are present.

President of the GABA Affeeze Khan and his members have been working extremely hard to make the tournament a success.

Khan told Stabroek Sport that the GABA wished to thank Dr Balwant Singh, Lall Beharry and Rambarran Poultry Farms, Namilco, Rent-A-Tent, Kanhai’s Electrical (Regent Street), Bruce and Dennis Vieira, Bacchus and Sons and numerous others for their contribution to amateur boxing.

Gratitude is also extended to Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, Bashir Khan, Gervy Harry and the National Sports Commission for the use of the National Gymnasium.

Humphrey’s  Bakery who will be providing bread everyday while Dale Erskine and the staff of the Republican Gym  will assist in  ensuring the safety of the ring for the duration of the tournament.