Despite some flurries, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) came out a unanimous winner in the year 2018.
The association was able to win both the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Title, and the Senior Caribbean Title. It was the first time the feat was achieved by the organisation.
Also for the first time in the history of amateur boxing, the senior international tournament was streamed live. Thousands of persons from all over the world logged on to view the talented pugilists compete during the Caribbean Championships.
Further, the association hosted three international tournaments. The Patrick Ford Memorial in February, the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors in July, and the Caribbean Championships earlier this month. I may be wrong but I do not think that any other local association hosted three international tournaments during 2018.
The GBA was able to hold 12 Under-16 tournaments during the year. That is also a first and bears testimony to that fact that the association is indeed focusing on the development of their nursery.
“2018 has been one of our best years. If I were to give my association a score for work done and achievements during 2018 with regard to resources available, it will have to be 80 per cent out of a 100,” President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle said.
“We will be trying even harder next year. Also in 2019, I will be applying to AMBC [American Boxing Confederation] for courses for our two Three Star coaches and those desirous of becoming One Star coaches,” he added.
In 2018, Lawrence Assannah was officially certified as an International Boxing Association [AIBA] One Star referee, bringing to three, the total of Guyanese One Star referees. Romona Agard and Richard Braithwaite are the other two One Star referees.
Next year, steps will be taken for the association to have its first Two Star Referee/Judge.
Meanwhile, Ninvalle has applied to amateur boxing’s governing body, AIBA, for the Caribbean Championships to be made a qualifier for the Pan Am Games. He said recently “I anticipate a positive word early in 2019.”
Ninvalle also noted that “In 2019 we have several major international competitions. I can only hope that we receive the necessary support.”
He also suggested that there needs to be a structured way in which support is offered to associations. “We should not be competing with private persons for support. Achievements of associations should also be used as a variable when determining support,” he said.
Outside the Region, Guyana earned its first boxing medals at the South American Games with Keevin Allicock and Colin Lewis punching their way to bronze medals.
Another bright spot for the GBA in 2018 was the development of sisters Abiola and Alesha Jackman. Fourteen-year-old Alesha will be the obvious pick for the association for Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year. She has won gold medals in two international competitions within a five-month period.
While there were peaks, there were also valleys for the GBA.
Much more work needs to be done in the junior department. Ninvalle said in 2019, he will be approaching the government to request the return of Cuban coach Francisco Roldan who was responsible for the development of the juniors.
Ninvalle thanked the Guyana Olympic Association, the AMBC, the National Sports Commission, the boxers, coaches and referee /judges and members of the executive for assisting in making 2018 a memorable year for amateur boxing. (Emmerson Campbell)
