Standout boxer Desmond Amsterdam continues to grab the headlines for all the right reasons.
On Wednesday night, the prized middleweight added another accolade to his growing collection when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosted its award ceremony at the Mirage Lounge on Albert Street.
Amsterdam, nicknamed ‘Dynamite’ detonated in the ring locally and internationally in a historic campaign last year.
For his exploits, he was awarded with the association’s Boxer-of-The-Year (elite) award which came on the heels of him winning arguably his greatest bout outside the ring two weeks ago.
At the National Awards ceremony on January 29, the 30-year old received the coveted Sportsman-of-the Year award.
The workhorse Amsterdam earned the award ahead of Guyana’s newest test cricketer, Tagenarine Chanderpaul after creating history for Guyana last year, having won a bronze medal at the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Championship in Ecuador.
This feat ushered him into being the first Guyanese amateur boxer to win cash incentives at the Championship. Amsterdam also won a bronze medal at the South American Games in Paraguay and battled to the quarterfinals of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
His achievements during the year allowed him to become the highest ranked Guyanese boxer (23rd) by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
When he spoke to this publication on Wednesday, Amsterdam stated that he was “very grateful to be receiving these awards” since it shows that his hard work is paying off. He thanked his wife, members of his family, his coach, Terrence Poole, the GBA, his friends and fans and added that he will continue to make Guyana proud.
Meanwhile, Poole (Best Coach), Jermaine Craig (Best Referee), Ezekiel Bancroft (Best Boxer School Boy), Travis Inverary (Best Boxer Youth) and Jeremiah Duncan (Best Boxer Junior) were also awarded plaques for winning their respective categories.
Meanwhile, President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle lauded the efforts of the awardees and stated that the event will be an annual fixture.
“This for us is a way of showing our appreciation for what they have achieved in the last year.”
He also pointed out that his association, which won the Association-of-The-Year accolade at the National Awards, will continue to further expose its officials and boxers at international events.
Ninvalle told this publication that from February 18, there will be the hosting of the Patrick Forde Memorial tournament with participation from St. Lucia, Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, while the Jackman sisters- Alesha and Abiola- will compete at the Women’s World Championship in India in March.
List of Awardees:
Best Boxer (Elite) – Desmond Amsterdam
Best Coach – Terrence Poole
Best Boxer (Schoolboys) – Ezekiel Bancroft
Best Boxer (Junior) – Jeremiah Duncan
Best Boxer (Youth) – Travis Inverary
Best Referee/Judge – Jermaine Craig
For sterling contributions to the sport of Boxing
Harold Hopkinson– (Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc.)
Dr. Marissa Alissa Parris
Elton Chase
Clinton Moore
Seon Bristol
Sebert Blake
