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Former amateur champion Wencel Thomas touted for national coach duties
Following recommendations by his colleagues and other affiliates, to President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, and subsequently the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony, former Guyana Defence Force amateur boxer Wencel Thomas has been nominated as the national boxing coach. He is currently awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport after the Minister would have confirmed the position.
A reputable boxer in his heydays, Thomas has represented this country at the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Jamaica in 1972 where he won a silver medal. He was also one of Guyana’s representatives at the annual Cardova Cardin Games in Cuba when this country enjoyed fruitful exchange sports programmes with that country.
Thomas commenced his amateur career as a puny light/flyweight boxer and fought in every division except the featherweight division.
He represented the Mildred Mansfield Club and also a club on the West Coast Demerara and culminated his career as a light/middleweight boxer representing the Guyana Defence Force.
Sources close to the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association revealed that they are awaiting the final bit of paperwork before Thomas’ position becomes official.
Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday afternoon, Thomas confirmed that he has heard of his nomination and subsequent success at securing the coveted position. He expressed delight while conveying his passion for the sport. Thomas said that he would endeavour to enact the right strategies and systems to foster development for young pugilists.
He noted that certain changes in the boxing arena have made it necessary for similar changes on the local scene.
He said that local boxers need to work on strengthening exercises in order to develop their muscles for the rigorous international duties. He further noted that there is a need for local boxers to develop new attitudes, a feat he feels is only possible through education. As such, the veteran coach plans to organize clinics and seminars to enhance the boxers’ knowledge of the sport.
“As coaches, we have relinquished the fundamental aspects of training and our boxers in turn are not learning the intricacies of the sport so it is important that we resort to those things,” said Thomas. He also intimated that he would convene with his colleagues from the other gyms to discuss the way forward.
Thomas is currently operating out of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Gym where he is tutoring the youngsters of the Albouystown community and its environs.
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