Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist acknowledged at tournament in his honour

Sep 12, 2010 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin
In a night where memories of yesteryear were relived, the inaugural Michael Parris National Open Boxing Championships got underway at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue Friday evening. The small crowd in attendance was thoroughly entertained as the various pugilists displayed their wares in several action packed encounters.
Activities got underway moments after Michael Anthony Parris, Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist was introduced to the sparse crowd while GABA President, Steve Ninvalle relived the nostalgia of his 1980 bronze medal achievement. Mr. Ninvalle dubbed the occasion as something special while reminding the boxers present that the former Olympian possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience which they could tap into.
He pointed out that most of the present crop of boxers was unaware of who Mr. Parris was and what he had done in the field of boxing. “I would like to urge you to emulate this great son of the soil as you attempt to eclipse his feat,” Mr. Ninvalle beseeched the boxers even as he pointed out that Parris major attribute was his discipline and steadfastness.
Director of Sports, Neil Kumar was also high in praise of Parris’ achievement. He dubbed the occasion a great one and pointed out that it is indeed worthy of acclaim. “I would like to join the President (GABA) and urge that each of you aspire to emulate and even eclipse Mike’s feat,” said Mr. Kumar moments before declaring the championships open. “Have fun but remember to play fair,” he urged the boxers.
Mr. Parris acknowledged the fanfare surrounding him while reliving the memories of his prime years. He noted that the situation has changed somewhat where pugilists were not as dedicated as before. He reminisced on his glory days in the gym where the competition was fierce and boxers wee required to up their performance to a high level if they were to become the champion in their respective divisions. Mr. Parris subsequently pledged his support towards the elevation of the current crop of pugilists in their attempts to win the elusive and coveted gold medal at the Olympics games.
The former Olympian was also joined by his wife, Ursula, who had been his bedrock during his illustrious career, and their children and grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Republican lightweight boxer, Nankumar Singh started his quest for championship honours with an aggressive display that netted him a 2-1 verdict over Ryan Jeffers (GDF) when the curtains went up on the tournament. Jeffers drew first blood when just as the first bell rang he rushed out and landed a few salvoes to Nankumar’s jaw that had the stocky Republican swaying. The onslaught continued up to the midway stage of the round when Jeffers slammed home a looping right to the Republican’s jaw that forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count.
To his credit Nankumar took the blow like a man and instead of recoiling pursued Jeffers with flailing fists. Some punches missed but a vital few connected but even though the last minute assault closed the gap considerably, it was obvious that the soldier had taken the round, albeit by the slimmest of margins.
Nankumar entered the second stanza in an aggressive mood and managed to stagger the soldier with a roundhouse right. Undaunted, Jeffers retaliated with several crisp punches that had Nankumar on the retreat. The Republican quickly reasserted himself with stiff combinations and the two warriors became locked in combat until the bell terminated the action.
In the final round, both fighters decided to turn in a do or die effort. By now, the small crowd was on its feet with both principals enjoying reasonable support. The Republican offered a six punch combination and the soldier sought refuge in a clinch. Nankumar then countered with a stiff left to his opponent’s head and in an effort to evade the blow Jeffers went a tad low and was penalized by one point. He did not back off but pursued Nankumar with vicious punches forcing him to duck out of range.
The tall soldier continued his attack but during an exchange, a right uppercut went a mite low and he also had a point deducted from his score. Realizing that the seconds were ticking away, the two warriors dug in with last minute salvoes and only retreated when the bell sounded. It was always going to be a tough call for the three judges but in the end two of them voted for the Republican while the third felt that the soldier had won. Nankumar was, therefore, adjudged the winner and advanced to the semi-final stage of the tournament, staged last evening.
Earlier in the night, Kevin Allicock defeated Terrence Adams in a 51kgs fight and also qualified for last night’s semi-final round. The Harpy Eagles representative had things his way for the greater part of the bout, pulverizing the hapless Adams with stiff right crosses and occasional uppercuts. Adams seemed content to block up while throwing the occasional punch. He managed to avoid a knockout but nonetheless surrendered the bout by a 3-0 verdict.
Kevin’s sibling, Keeve, also won his bout in the Open elite bantamweight category against Delon Ryan (GDF). The latter boxer virtually enjoyed free target practice as Wray inexplicably chose to block up and hardly offered any resistance. Allicock capitalized on the opportunity to get in some valuable glove work before the bell mercifully halted the lopsided affair.
In other results Juniors; 60-64lbs John Anthony (FYF) lost to Odeny Moore (EBG); 65-69lbs Elijah Insanally (HE) failed to get past Shaka Moore (EBG); 74-78lbs Michael April (CNAG) won a majority verdict over Andel Moore (EBG) while Ezekiel Accra (FYF) defeated Dail LeFleur (CNAG). Seon Griffith (FYF) was too good for Troy Armstrong in their 85-89lbs clash while Jnr/welterweight Romano Clarke (GDF) defeated Delroy Nero (Republican) by a 3-0 verdict while in the final bout of the night in the middleweight division Alfred Benjamin (Rep) triumphed over Blair Haynes (GDF).
The championship continued last evening and culminates tonight when the respective champions would be crowned. The public is urged to support the venture.

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