Latest update April 17th, 2025 9:50 AM
Exciting action as nations Simon Pures slug it out in GABA U-16 tournament
On a somber night on the international boxing scene where Philippine boxer, Manny Pacquiao suffered a shock defeat, surrendering his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt to Timothy Bradley, the Simon Pures on the local scene turned in crowd pleasing performances when the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) in collaboration with the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) staged the inaugural Andrew Lewis Juniors U-16 Boxing championships on the northern tarmac of the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) Saturday evening last.
Christopher Mansfield (left) covers up but fails to prevent the right uppercut from Odeny Moore from landing to his rib cage. The former boxer went on to take the decision on a 2-1 verdict.
Understandably, skills were replaced with slugfests since most of the youngsters are now experiencing the joys of displaying their skills in the ‘square jungle’ before a large audience. However, but several positives could have been drawn from the experience as the officials of the GABA aspire to nurture the nursery in preparation for the international tournaments years down the line.
Several government functionaries joined Mr. Steve Ninvalle and his executives at the opening ceremony and Director of Sports, Neil Kumar was loud in praise of the efforts of Mr. Ninvalle and his executives. He conveyed his delight at the efforts of the GABA executive but expressed remorse that Guyana would not enjoy fistic representation at the impending London Olympics later this year. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Kumar said that he is heartened by the efforts of the GABA executive under the stewardship of Mr. Ninvalle. He pledged the continued support of the Government and further highlighted its recent input where the services of a reputable coach out of Cuba was sought. At present, that individual is here in Guyana conducting sessions towards the development of the local pugilists.
Mr. Ninvalle reiterated a need for collaboration between his organization and government towards the realization of the requisite goals towards the boxers’ improvement. He urged the boxers to exhibit the high level of discipline and commitment necessary for their advancement even as he assured them of continued efforts of his executives in their development.
DDL Marketing executive, Alexis Langhorne also wished the boxers well and assured them of continued support in the future. She also urged them to turn in good performances even as she encouraged the public to come out in support of the boxers.
Meanwhile, the participating gyms include, Harpy Eagle (HE), Essequibo (Essq), Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ), Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Linden (Lin), Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG), Young Achievers (YA). After a night of fistic fury, several of the pugilists came out successful and advanced to the finals at the same venue last night.
In Saturday night’s encounters in the 50-54lbs division, Kevin Mullings (HE) earned a 3-0 decision over Malrick Walcott (ESSQ) while in the 65-69lbs division, Christopher Mansfield won by a 2-1 verdict over Kevin Allicock. Elijah Insanally then prevailed over Odeny Moore in their 80-84lbs fight. Cordell Walcott dropped a 3-0 decision over Tyron Lashley in the 85-89lbs division moments before Ezekiel Accra was gifted a walk over from Orin Bancroft in the in the 90-94lbs class. Stefan Green (HE) also fought in the 90-94lbs division and pounded out a 3-0 verdict over Albert Thomas (Lin). The bout in the 105-109lbs division saw Travis Hubbard (HE) winning by a 3-0 margin over Joel Williamson (PRBG). In the final two bouts of the night, Javaad Richards lost is 125-134lbs bout after the referee stopped his fight against David Moore (RHJ) in 25 seconds of the second frame, while Jose Chappell (HE) won a 3-0 verdict in his 165-175lbs bout against Jamal Thomas (YA). Activities concluded last night.
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