Along with a bronze medal from the South American Games, Desmond ‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam has detonated to 23rd on the International Boxing Association (IBA) rankings.
By virtue of this, along with the 29-year-old’s fortunes at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championship, the middleweight boxer is now the highest-ranked local puglilist.
The Guyana Defence Force Sargent bowed out in the semi-final after losing to Argentina’s Benjamin Grimaux but brushed aside Venezuela’s Diego Majia in the quarter final.
Also, Amsterdam had earned a split decision victory over New Zealand’s Richardson Emile to advance to the quarter final of the Men’s Welterweight Division at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, earlier this year, in the process making him the first boxer since Eon Bancroft in 2016 to make it past the round of 16.
Amsterdam’s path has been faced with several challenges including a 126-day stay in Cuba during the Pandemic where they had ventured to train for the Olympics.
President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle reckoned that ‘Dynamite’s explosive ascension underscores his commitment, discipline and dedication to boxing.
Ninvalle, who is also the Director of Sport, analyzed the direction in which Amsterdam’s career has taken him as a clear indication of the success one can gain if long term structures for development are in place and implemented.
The GBA boss closed by congratulating Amsterdam for his “good old-fashioned hard-work.” Also receiving praises was featherweight sensation, Keevin Allicock who also secured a bronze medal at the South American Games. The Albouystown-native is now ranked 54th in his division.
