The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will continue to place emphasis on exposing its charges internationally, a feature that was substantial and evidentiary in 2023. GBA’s exposure of its pugilists will immediately continue in the New Year as a two-member fight roster has been selected to compete in the prestigious Youth World Boxing Cup from March 3–11 in Budva, Montenegro.
Joshua Thambaran of the Rose Hall Town Jammers Gym and Shakquain James of the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym will enter the squared circle at the Hotel Splendid Conference and Spa Resort to represent Guyana, with technical officer and national coach Lennox Daniels serving in his traditional capacity.
Prior to the event, a pre-tournament camp will also be conducted from February 17 to March 3. The competition, which is being administered in accordance with IBA Rules and Regulations, will feature 13 weight categories for men and 12 weight divisions for women.
For male fighters, the divisions are: 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg, and +92kg, whilst 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, and +81kg will comprise the female segment. All fighters must have been born during the period 2006–2007.
Each resulting divisional winner will be awarded a gold medal, while silver and two bronze medals will be presented to the second and third-place finishers. Special accolades will also be presented to the adjudicated best boxers.
Steve Ninvalle, President of the GBA, said, “The developmental agenda of the GBA is an unending exercise. 2024, like the empirical undertakings of 2023, must and will continue in this manner as we strive to build on our accomplishments so that a breakthrough, which has become a familiar occurrence on the regional circuit, can be realised and achieved once more on the international plane.”
Recognised as the most vocal administrator in Caribbean boxing, Ninvalle further added, “This tournament is the strongest youth championship globally given the calibre of opponents that frequent its squared circle. In the previous two iterations, a total of 15 champions and 35 medalists from various world championships, inclusive of titleholders emanating from European, Asian, and Pan American events, confirmed the competitive and prestigious nature of the event.”
“This is the high level of international participation that is required for development. This development not only applies to the fighters but also to the technical officers, who must match their wits and strategies with those of similarly versed technocrats in their bid and effort to achieve the common goal of success. Guyana must embrace this level of challenges and adversity if we are to continue to evolve in the right direction and not stagnate and be relegated to simply regional supremacy,” he further added.
