Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Pan American Boxing Trials…Early financial setbacks but boxers settling in for combat
The squad of four boxers that departed Guyana for Mexico to participate in the Pan American Boxing trials slated for Tijuana Mexico from June 4th- 9th next has arrived safely in the Spanish country last Sunday morning and has commenced training with the aim of earning a place in the said championships starting early July in Toronto Ontario Canada.
The boxers were compelled to engage in training in the courtyard of their hotel until proper arrangements are established.
Those selected are Dennis Thomas (75kgs), Delon Charles (56kgs), Dewani Lampkin (60kgs) and Jason Phillips (64kgs). United States based super heavyweight pugilist, Quincy ‘Biggy’ Small is still to arrive from his USA base while Cuban coach, Senor Francisco Hernandez Roldan was expected to fly in sometime yesterday.
Kaieteur Sport spoke with Sebert Blake, the coach in charge of the team, and he reported that the team had stopped over in Panama before their onward journey to Mexico and were somewhat drained upon their arrival.
He said that they have encountered one small hiccup when they arrived but otherwise they are settling in nicely. It seems that officials of the host country had expected the team to arrive today and were not prepared to accommodate them earlier. Mr. Blake said that the oversight has increased their expenses substantially since the team was required to seek alternative accommodation, naturally at an added cost. He has since contacted President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle for relief and up to press time was awaiting affirmation.
This writer sought an audience with the GBA President but he was engaged in meetings with his superiors at the former Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports offices.
That apart, Blake said that the boxers have commenced training and are settling in nicely. “Our first training session was done outdoors and it is a bit cold but the boys are getting comfortable with it,” Blake informed. He said that the boxers had their first training session on Sunday whereupon they checked their weight and were in good order. “Today (Monday) we will have two sessions of low volume work but with high intensity and I’ll be monitoring their development as the days go by,” said Blake.
Meanwhile, Blake is confident that his charges will do well at the championships even as the teams have started trooping in with Jamaica and Dominica arriving yesterday. He feels that despite the adverse weather conditions the local boxers are adapting nicely and should be able to hold their own. The draw should take place tomorrow and the championship is scheduled to get underway on Thursday.
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