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Guyana cops a first as world boxing body votes Sebert Blake Trainer of the Year
A proud Blake shows off the plaque which distinguishes his coaching prowess from many other practitioners worldwide
Former national amateur boxer Sebert Blake, now turned coach, training prowess was recently responsible for Shondell Alfred’s successful defence of her World International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight title against her American based Guyanese nemesis, Corrine Van Ryck DeGroot at the Princess Hotel, Providence EBD in July last year.
Predictably, Alfred’s feat, a stunning knockout victory, was hailed by many as the most devastating local accomplishment by a female pugilist. Consequently, Alfred was voted as the most improved boxer by the ruling WIBA organisation.
The popular idiom ‘When it rains it pours’ could not be more forcefully stated than when Alfred’s coach, Sebert Blake received a similar prestigious award from the same organisation after piloting Alfred to championship honours.
Early last week Blake, who had earlier been informed that he was the WIBA Trainer of the Year, received a specially delivered package which contained the plaque signifying the magnitude of the achievement.
Bursting with pride, Blake told this publication that he was humbly gratified at being singled out from a field of other experienced trainers, both locally and internationally.
Blake, who trains Alfred, pointed out that his intention as a trainer is not particularly to win awards but to pilot his charges to the accomplishment of international accolades. “Attaining these prestigious awards are basically the side fringes of the job,” said he. The successful coach, however, pointed out that even though he had received the award, he could not have accomplished the task on his own.
“I received support from other trainers the likes of former Fecarbox flyweight champion, Joseph Murray and national amateur boxing coach, Wensel Thomas and I think they should share some of the glory,” said Blake.
He also feels that Alfred’s resilience and determination in the face of tough adversary also served as the catalyst to his achievement.
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