Action packed performances characterized Michael Parris Under-16 Boxing Tournament

Aug 30, 2015 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin

There are just out of the nursery and was not expected to turn in classical performances, but what they lacked in skill, boxers of several gyms compensated with courage action packed performances when the curtains came down on the Michael Parris U-16 boxing championships, under the auspices of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and the Demerara Distillers Ltd, at the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) yesterday afternoon.
Dozens crammed into the venue and were treated to several slugfests as the Simon Pures aspired to entertain. The crowd was not disappointed as the action started as early as the first fight when Shaquancy Wright of the Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG) earned a well deserved decision over Harpy Eagles (HE) representative, Leslie Marques, to take the honours in the 64-69lbs division. That fight was really a semi final affair as Wright returned later on the programme to face his gym mate, Deron Williams whom he also defeated on points thus earning the championship honours.
Wright’s performance pleased the judges who went on to select him for a special prize, a pair of sneakers donated by Milton Brandsford of Colours on Robb Street. John Dowridge represented the Harpy Eagles and pounded his way to a 49secs stoppage of Isaiah Jacobs of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG) after a wicked two fisted attack. The bout was in the 111-115lbs category.
His efforts did not go unnoticed and he was later adjudged best Boxer of the tournament. The PRBG was on a high and waltzed away with the prize for the Best Gym after another of its representatives, Omar Pollard, unleashed a two fisted attack and forced the referee to halt his bout against Traion Sealey (NOC) with only 57secs on the clock.
Henry Belgrave also flew the flag for the PRBG with distinction when he survived a spirited attack from Devon Fraser (NOC) in the 120-127 division to come out on top. The coaches also received some attention and Orrin London, brother of top female professional boxers, Pauline and Pamela, left the venue smiling with a large food hamper after he was adjudged the best coach of the day while referee/judge, Mark Drakes was adjudged the best official on show; he earned a hamper compliments of Nigel’s supermarket.
Medford Wilson’s efforts as a judge/referee was also noted and he received a special prize donated by Nigel’s Supermarket. Leslie Marques is merely 11 years-old and he fights out of the 64-69lbs division.
He failed to get past Aquancy Wright but received a special prize for being the youngest boxer on show while Joshua Corbin of the Carryl’s Boxing Gym (CBG) pounded out a unanimous verdict over Shamal Gittens (NOC) in the 128-135lbs division to earn a unanimous victory.
Omar Pollard (PR) was also in winners’ row and he forced the referee to halt his bout against Traion Sealey (NOC) in just 57secs of their 85-90lbs bout. Pollard returned later in the afternoon to chalk up another win, this time against Junior Hyman, who he stopped at 1:36secs of the 3rd round.
The NOC boxers were not really up to par and surrendered all of their bouts. However, the courage of Okefi Husbands stood out when he faced Quincy Boyce (GDF) in the 140-147lbs class.
Husbands dug deep and came up with several unorthodox punches that hurt his man and pushed him on the back foot. However, the NOC pugilist just could not sustain the tempo and as the bout wore on he became susceptible to head and body shots that weakened him and forced him to recoil.
He managed to make it to the end, which in itself was a great achievement. However, his performance failed to impress the judges and he dropped the unanimous verdict. Boyce returned later in the evening and added the scalp of Husbands’ gym mate, Kevin Benn to his resume. Another NOC representative, Chris Charles also turned in a courageous performance, albeit a losing one, after his opponent, Jamal Dowridge (HE) matched his blows right down to the last bell. The two pugilists really went after each other with wicked swings and in the end they both reflected the effects of the grueling bout which Dowridge prevailed.
Keevin Allicock (HE) was also on winners’ row and he utilized just 1:11secs of the bout to dispose of Troy Charles (NOC) in their 111-115lbs affair. Meanwhile, Patron of the tournament, Michael Parris, sat right throughout the proceedings and later assisted in the distribution of prizes.
The Olympic bronze medalist was heartened by the performances of the young boxers and voiced the hope that they receive support of the government as well as the private sector in the realization of their dreams.

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