Boxing standout Keevin Allicock will spring into quarterfinal action tomorrow in the ongoing Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle believes that his charge is prepared and ready to climb the podium steps.
“If you are to ask me, Keevin is prepared even better now than he was ever prepared for any other tournament,” said Ninvalle of the Commonwealth Youth silver medalist.
“With the help of the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association), we had been able to provide him with the necessary tools that he would have needed to get him prepared for the Games,” Ninvalle added.
Allicock, 20, will compete in the 56kg (bantamweight) class, and will match gloves with Uruguay’s Alexander Fernandez in his opening bout. The orthodox showman completed a three-week training stint in Cuba before he headed to Peru.
Said Ninvalle, “We wanted it to be longer but I think that will go a long way. What I think is of great importance is his mindset. He appears to be an extremely focused young man and I know he will give 100 per cent effort.
“If the 100 per cent effort is good enough to get him into the medal round, well that is what it’ll be but I am confident that he will go out there and do his best judging from the fact that we had been able to secure and render him training of a higher level in Cuba.”
The GBA head continued, “Of course, he is not going to be coming up against any slouches; he would be coming up against seasoned campaigners but in the last couple of months, he has shown that he has the tenacity and he has the right attitude. I wish him the best and he has the entire nation behind him.”
Stabroek Sport will keep readers updated as events unfold in Peru, host of the 18th edition of the Games. (Emmerson Campbell)
