Thrilling bouts climax GABA/DDL Junior’s Boxing Competition

Oct 23, 2012 Sports

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Cuban coach, Francisco Roden, impressed

By Michael Benjamin
An appreciable crowd was highly entertained when activities on the final night of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA)/Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) Junior’s Boxing Competition concluded in the compound of the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, Sunday evening last and Cuban coach, Francisco Roden, says that he is impressed by what he has seen.
Kevin Mullings (HE) and Clyde Walcott (FYF) set the pace from the very first bell when they faced off in the 50-54lbs class. The punches were unorthodox but this was the kind of blows that characterize tournaments featuring the Simon Pures of the sport. Amidst the heated exchanges, the referee issued several warnings to Walcott for slapping. Mullings, merely 9 years old looked above the cut of the average novice fighter when, instead of blocking punches, displayed remarkable ring generalship, slipping those punches instead.
Walcott, a pint sized pugilist corrected the flaw of slapping his man but by then his opponent had piled up the points and went on to take a majority decision.
Kevin’s sibling, Kevon, also from the FYF but in the 70-74lbs category, continued where his brother stopped and laced Shaquille Simon (PRBG), winning unanimously in the process. He endured a torrid first round and countered his opponent’s attack with fleet-footed maneuvers that caused many of Simon’s punches to either fall short of the mark or missed altogether. He was all businesslike, out-punching Simon in every exchange. The pint sized pugilist eventually prevailed with a unanimous verdict.
The action heated up when Elijah Insanally (HE) faced Joshua Alexander (YA) in the 90-94lbs class. The former boxer rushed out at the sound of the bell and dealt the former several clubbing blows that forced him backwards. Alexander’s demeanor never suggested permanence and in just 48secs, after he had received a volley of punches, he cringed, received a mandatory 8 count and showed disinterest in continuing forcing the referee to wave the contest off.
Intent on eclipsing that record, Travis Hubbard (HE) lashed out at Junior Henry (FYF) in their 110-117lbs duel and forced a mandatory 8 count. Blood was also pouring from Henry’s nose forcing the referee to call in the ringside nurse. Even before she had determined his fate, Henry had already decided that he wanted nothing more to do with Hubbard. Barely 27secs had elapsed.
Other results were: 60-64lbs Teo Bumbury won from Orwing Harris by a majority verdict, while in the 70-74lbs class, Kevon Mullings (HE) outlasted Shaquille Simon (PRBG). The 75-79lbs has a new champion in John Moore (FYF) who disposed of Roy Samuels (HEBG) while in the 85-89lbs Odeny Moore (EBG) was too good for his gym mate, Cordel Walcott.
Tefon Green (HE) then prevailed over Tyron Lashley (RHJ) in the 95-99lbs division shortly before Shaka Moors (EBG) forced the referee to call a halt to his 100-104lbs fight against Melshion Baratt (FYF) in 48secs of the first frame. Romano Bumbury (FYF) then won when the referee disqualified Anthony Miguel (YA) for persistently breaking the rules in their 105-109lbs duel.  Ejad Alli (CBG) then lost his 156-163lbs bout against Jose Chappell (HE) moments before Emerson Farley (HE) earned a lopsided verdict over his gym mate, Nikel Cosbert to cap the night’s proceedings. Earlier, Keisha Arokium (RHJ) was gifted a walk over after Ansila Norville failed to show for their 100-107lbs clash.
The tournament attracted most of the top gyms including Young Achievers (YA), Harpy Eagles (HE), Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Rosehall Town Jammers (RHTJ), Pocket Rocket (PR) and Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG).
Meanwhile, Cuban coach, Francisco Roden, here on a training stint under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, travelled to the Ancient County to assess the bouts and at the end of the proceedings deemed them to be good. He said that the boxers have shown distinct improvement and once given the requisite attention can be forces in the upcoming months. Mr. Roden, a reputable Cuban coach, is in Guyana to assist in the development of young amateurs with an aim of preparing them for possible participation in the 2016 Olympics. In an invited comment shortly after the final bout, the Cuban coach said that Guyana is laden with talent which needs a structured programme to unearth and develop. He said that he is in receipt of all of the major international games in the run up to the 2016 Olympics and would be submitting same to officials at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for possible evaluation and a decision pertaining to its feasibility.
The finals were graced by a representative of the sponsor, Demerara Distillers Ltd, Branch Manager Albert Budhoo. He assisted in the distribution of the prizes while reiterating his company’s support towards the development of the young boxers.
Corporate support was also derived from Digicel, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports provided the transportation for the boxers and received high praise for their input.

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