Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym keeping the sport going in the Ancient County

Jan 20, 2011 Sports

Orland Rogers

By Samuel Whyte

Despite constraints President of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym aims to reach new heights in 2011 while keeping the sport of Boxing going in Berbice. Those were the assurances given by Orland “Pocket Rocket” Rogers, founder, coordinator and coach of the Gym in an interview with Kaieteur Sport when this newspaper caught up with him during a work out session at their training base at the People National Congress Berbice Headquarters at Strand and St Magdalene Streets in New Amsterdam.
Rogers, who is still an active boxer, stated that despite many constrains and broken promises by some officials they were generally satisfied with the way how things went for them during the past year.
The diminutive boxer who fights in the Bantamweight and Flyweight divisions, stated he would first like to express his and the members appreciation to all their fans and sponsors who supported the Gym during the past years and looks forward to their continued support.
During the past year, the club which is one of the most active in the Ancient County, hosted a number of competitions throughout Berbice, mainly to help popularize and spread the game. Three were held in the Skeldon Upper Corentyne Area, two on the West Coast of Berbice, while another two competitions were organised in the Gym’s New Amsterdam/Canje home base.
The Clubs Annual Inter Club boxing championship was hosted at the Scot Church Ground in New Amsterdam and included such Gyms like The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Harpy Eagle, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Timehri Warriors and the Six Head Lewis Boxing Gyms.
The club also hosted the only Pro Am Boxing card in the ancient county which was held at the Rose Hall Community Centre in Canje. According to Rogers they planned to organise and host more competitions and tournaments in Berbice, while also participating in Exhibition bouts.
The most outstanding fighter from the Gym was Richard Williamson. The other outstanding fighters in the Gym were Kelsie George, Joel Williamson and Jamal Eastman and lone female fighter Rena David. The club has over 30 active fighters at the moment ranging from U-15s to seniors.
The club participated in all the national tournaments organised by GABA in Georgetown and other areas. They also participated in all of the Friday Night Fights with tremendous success. They plan to participate in all those activities and more in 2011.
“Pocket Rocket’ said that they will be starting their season with participation on the 29th in Georgetown, while the club will be hosting their annual inter club invitational tournament on February 19th at the Scot Church ground. The second annual ProAm boxing card will also be held, but a date and venue has not been decided. They plan to have more cooperation with other boxing Gyms in Berbice.
Rogers said that despite the success, they were some disappointments. He was disappointed in the unprofessional behavior by some officials in both the Amateur and Professional circle.
He cited the difference he had with the professional body in the cancellation of a boxing card he had organized in the ancient county.
Another disappointment was the broken promise made by President of GABA Steve Ninvalle, who had promised to provide a training base for the club at the Ministry’s drop Centre at Smythfield New Amsterdam. That promise was never fulfilled.
They are thankful to Dr. John Austin and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) for allowing them the usage of their venue in New Amsterdam.
Rogers, who was injured in an accident during last year, said that he has recuperated enough and plans to continue fighting and promoting boxing, saying, “ah feeling a gone share some licks this year”. He said that apart from boxing being a part of his livelihood it is one way in helping to keep the youths occupied, off the street and away from illicit activities.

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