GDF is the top gym, FYF finish 2nd as National Novices Boxing championships concludes

Apr 15, 2013 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) scored 11 points and were duly declared champion gym when the curtains were drawn on the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) National Novices Boxing championships on the tarmac of the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Saturday evening last. The Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gym amassed 5 points and finished second while the Republican Boxing Gym clinched the 3rd place after accruing 4 points, while its representative, Septon Barton, won both of his bouts by knockout and was duly declared best boxer.
However, on Saturday night, with just 3 bouts remaining, the rains interrupted and forced an abrupt end to the night’s proceeding. As such, 6 boxers had to return to the venue yesterday afternoon to complete the card.

The winning GDF boxers (standing) show off their hardware with Terrence Poole (extreme right) while those stooping are from the Republican Boxing Gym with coach, Sebert Blake at extreme left.

When the boxers returned yesterday afternoon, Desmond Amsterdam (GDF) and Colin Martin (REP) thrilled the small crowd with a no holds barred contest that was worthy of a bigger stage. Both fighters started the bout as though they had an old grouse and were determined to settle it there and then. The first round was a thriller as both pugilists went after each other with venom. The punches were unorthodox but when they landed the effects were apparent. Both boxers enjoyed great moments in this round and set the stage for the second stanza.
As expected, punches rained as both pugilists attempted to grab the initiative. As the round came to a close Amsterdam connected with a vicious left hook that buckled Martin but fortune was on his side as the bell sounded soon afterwards. The rivalry resumed as soon as the bell sounded for the 3rd round and Martin, who appeared reinvigorated, lashed out with several crunching blows. He then got careless and dropped his guards a mite for Amsterdam to land a crunching right which forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count.
Martin rebounded with several salvoes and one of them sent his opponent’s mouthpiece flying. Thereafter, fortunes fluctuated with first Martin and then Amsterdam surging ahead. The small crowd went into a frenzy as the two gladiators punched away at each other’s body and head until the bell sounded. It was a courageous battle worthy of mention and it was a pity that one of them had to lose. In the end the judges ruled in favour of Amsterdam.
The final bout yesterday afternoon dampened the spirits of the crowd when GDF representative, Oswald Dash turned in a lukewarm performance against his gym mate, Sean Phillips and after two light punches decided he had had enough. The referee waved the bout off approximately one minute of the fight.
Meanwhile, Saturday night’s proceeding started on a sour note for Kerriann Cumberbatch of Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ) when she suffered a TKO at the hands of Ann Mullen who needed just 32secs to finish the job. Another Berbician, Jamal Eastman of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG), continued to impress when he pounded out a majority verdict over Roy Adams of the Harpy Eagles (HE) to win the 80—84lbs category. The Pocket Rocket representative, as usual, demonstrated a level of class that belied his experience.
The nephew of Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, Jamal was a joy to behold as he compiled stiff jabs and accurate combinations. His timings were superb as he clearly out-boxed Adams. The latter boxer attempted to get out of the way of some sharp punches but in the process ducked below the belt and was twice warned for the infringement. His indiscretions only served to widen the gap of the defeat and he lost by a majority verdict.
Three fights earlier, Jaime Kellman of the Young Achievers engaged his Harpy Eagles counterpart, Jackeel Cadogan, in a slugfest in the 70-74lbs class and came out triumphant after 3 rounds of leathers. Steve Sukaloo of the Rose Hall Jammers turned in a courageous display but his efforts proved insufficient and he surrendered by points to Kevin Mulling while Ansol Wolfe proved to be too good for Shaquaille Simon and took their 75-79lbs bout. Moses Oxford (HE) also won convincingly when he forced the referee to halt his 50-54lbs bout against Quancy Wright in just 30secs of the first stanza while Kenrick Amsterdam pounded out a majority verdict over Kevon Mulling (HE). Elijah Insanally (HE) won out from his Pocket Rocket counterpart while Stephon Green (HE) lost out to Julius Kesney (PR).
In the Open Elite category, Arthur Scipio (GDF) lost to Tyronne Lashley (RHJ) while Candacie Benjamin (GDF) lost to Akesia Arokium (RHJ). Wincel Thomas (GDF) then defeated Farouk Ali (FYF) moments before Kellon King triumphed over Kurt Kendall (REP). Just before the rains came; Linden Daniels (GDF) forced the referee to halt his bout in the 2nd round against his gym mate, Jermaine Pollard.