Boxing coaches exude confidence as charges depart for overseas engagements

Mar 04, 2014 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
Having completed several weeks of intense training, the three boxers identified to represent this country at the South American Boxing Championships in Chile between March 7-18 next, wing out of Guyana this morning with every assurance that they will return with medals.
Those representatives are welterweight, Eon Bancroft, middleweight, Dennis Thomas and (woman) heavyweight, Theresa London, while Terrence Poole will serve as the Manager/Coach. National bantamweight champion, Imran Khan was omitted from the team after he sustained an injury to his left wrist while competing in the recently concluded 4-nation boxing championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last month. Notwithstanding, Khan visited the gym yesterday afternoon to render moral support to his colleagues as they applied the finishing touches to their preparations.

Gibson (left) forces former bantamweight professional champion, Dexter Marques to cover up during sparring sessions yesterday afternoon.

Those boxers wrapped up sessions with several rounds of sparring at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Albouystown and Mr Poole said that he is satisfied with their volume of work during training sessions. Additionally, the boxers did several light rounds on the bag and shadow boxing before wrapping up sessions with light calisthenics.
Mr Poole said that the boxers have been involved in competition over the months and are all in kittle shape. Indeed, Thomas participated in the World Championships in Kazakhstan and then in the 4-nation Caribbean championships last month. He won both of his fights and his exemplary performance earned him the best boxer award. London and Bancroft also came out victorious in the latter tournament with the former pugilist clinching the best female boxer award.
Meanwhile, another team of boxers leaves Guyana Friday March 7 next to participate in the Horace Phillips Memorial Boxing Championships in Barbados and they were also hard at work yesterday afternoon. That tournament will see two other countries, the hosts and the United States Virgin Islands, competing for honours. The local squad leaves on Friday and comprises Flyweight Youth, Michael April, Flyweight Elite, Delon Charles, lightweight, Clairmont Gibson, middleweight, Ron Smith and bantamweight, Diwani Lampkin. GBA executive, Kesa Chase manages that team, while Sebert Blake is the coach. The latter individual was also in attendance yesterday afternoon observing his charges in action. He is also exuding confidence that the boxers will do well.
Already, the local pugilists have proven their worth at the Caribbean level, yet they are wary of their counterparts who have shown tremendous improvement over the years. The imminent tournament should serve to endorse or contradict their beliefs.