In an effort to build on the volume of international participation in 2023, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will make its 2024 debut on the international circuit with participation in the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers in Italy and the prestigious Youth World Boxing Cup in Montenegro.
This was confirmed by a release from the association. According to the correspondence, a three-member team comprising Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, and Joel Williamson will compete for berths at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Busto Arsizio in Varese from February 29th to March 12th at the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers.
Similarly, Joshua Thambaran and Shakquain James will represent Guyana at the Youth World Boxing Cup at the Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in Budva from March 3rd–11th. Lennox Daniels, technical officer and national coach, will accompany the duo.
According to the release, 59 berths will be on offer at the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers, which is being administered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), adding that the Youth World Boxing Cup, which is being governed using IBA Rules and Regulations, comprises 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,” the release stated.
Steve Ninvalle, President of the GBA, said, “Our developmental agenda is an endless undertaking. 2024 is geared to surpass the historic accomplishments of international participation, and these two campaigns, which are of utmost importance and prestige, set the foundation and marker for a year that will be highlighted by several international assignments. Development is a marriage of policy that is underpinned by local competition and international campaigns, the latter of which is intrinsically important if we are to prepare our fighters for the rigours and evolving elements of international competition.”
He further said, “The importance of the Olympics speaks for itself, and we will utilise all avenues to prepare and give our fighters the best possible opportunity for success. Similarly, participation at the Youth World Cup is equivalent in its significance. It is an opportunity of historic proportions as it will afford us the scope to test our qualities against the best in the world, as the event is the strongest youth championship globally given the calibre of opponents that frequent its squared circle. Notable champions, inclusive of titleholders from Europe, Asia, and Pan America, as well as medalists from various other world championships, have graced this competition, which adds to its prestigious and competitive quality and allure. This is the type and level of competition that is required for advancement, especially for nations emanating from the English-speaking Caribbean.”
