Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM
Kevin Mullings – a special talent that should be nurtured
By Michael Benjamin
The debate has been intense and many are questioning at what period is the proverbial ‘impressionable age?’
Kevin Mullings
Some have labeled this period during adolescence when they believe that youths can best be molded. Kevin Mullings is a typical example of this theory and is at that time of his life when the proverbial ‘tree could be bent;’ at ten years old he seems set to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the ‘square jungle.’
Kevin lives in Albouystown, an area that is unfairly stigmatized as a community of bad folks. Contrary to this belief, ‘Almantown,’ as the area is commonly known, has produced top sportsmen, academics and notable citizens the likes of Mayor Hamilton Green, former WBA welterweight champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis and Professor at the University of Guyana, Sociologist, Andrew Hicks among other notables.
Maybe Lewis’ feat a decade ago has inspired the youths of the ghetto to the extent that several gyms have since mushroomed in Albouystown and resulted in the discovery of worthwhile talent in the fistic sport. The Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym is a gift to that community in recognition of Lewis’ world title feat, while head of the People’s Syndicate Promotions, Keith ‘Buckilo’ Bazilio had bought a building and converted it into the Forgotten Youth Foundation Boxing Gym. Further down, to the western end of the community, is the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, where Kevin hones his skills under the tutelage of James Walcott.
The youngster exists under very humble circumstances, as had Lewis before he found his destiny in the fistic sport, and believes that boxing could be the catalyst to his personal and eventually professional development. Therefore, it was a blessing when the Demerara Distillers Ltd responded to a call from the executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and sponsored an U-16 Boxing tournament with the aim of providing a platform for young pugilists to expel stored up energies even as they pursue what could possibly be a lifetime vocation.
The first edition occurred some two years ago and many of the boxers in the advanced stage of their amateur careers could attest to the effectiveness of the initiative. Over the past weekend the nation’s Simon Pures were once again in action and it was really a joy to behold as those pugilists engaged in fistic competition. Amongst the many boxers, Kevin Mullings stood out with a thrilling display that earned him a well deserved minority decision over Shaquancy Wright (EBG).
It was a display of guts, determination and skill and Mullings was justly rewarded with the Best Boxer award and a few prizes to go with it. Welterweight Contender champion, Jamaican, Sakima Mullings viewed the bout and was truly impressed to the point that he handed over a special prize to his namesake.
Indeed, one must tip their hat to the DDL and the GBA for the sterling initiative but naturally the question of progression arises. Here is where I wish to encourage those businessmen and women with a nationalistic verve to support initiatives of a similar nature and reach out to the less fortunate youths bent on law abiding lives but challenged by the absence of the most basic requirements to do so.
Kevin is another firm example of the talent nestling in the ghetto in need of that extra support to realize their dreams. He is truly an exceptional talent and deserves support to achieve lofty goals. He is talent to watch!
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