2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament...

2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament…

May 14, 2017 Sports

Guyanese boxers fail to register a win as action gets underway

They set out to prove their dominance at the youth level of Caribbean boxing but Guyanese boxers were pegged back a mite, with two decisive losses from as many bouts when the curtains were raised on the 2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Friday evening.
In all, there were 8 bouts but only 4 of them were of international flavor. In this segment, 63kgs, Junior Barbadian pugilist, Tevin Brewster, turned in a classical boxing display to overcome his Guyanese counterpart, Shemar Morrison, and draw first blood, while Trinidadian, Nickel Joseph, forced the referee to call a halt to his 75kgs (Youth) bout with another Guyanese, Akeel Mounter, in 2:32secs of the third frame.
A rangy fighter, Brewster opted to box on the outside while Morrison attempted to force a toe to toe brawl. Unruffled, Brewster danced around and enforced his dominance with stiff left jabs and right crosses. The pattern continued into the second round with Morrison stitching in a few punches but Brewster refused to accommodate his tactics and wisely built up his points on the outside.
Morrison managed to lure the fleet footed Bajan into a close ranged exchange at the initial stage of the third round but Brewster quickly reasserted himself and returned to his frisky ways, jabbing and crossing at long range. The rangy Brewster then paused momentarily to slam home a wicked one two combination that rocked his man and solidified his (Brewster) lead, shortly before the final bell sounded. The Bajan was rightfully adjudged the unanimous winner.
Akeel Mounter has all the tools to take command of his 75kgs (Youth) bout against Trinidadian, Nickel Joseph, but he inexplicably failed to assert his dominance. The Guyanese stayed in control in the first stanza but his punches lacked the venom and reduced his efforts to a sparring session in the gym. The bout remained even in the early part of the second frame but at the halfway stage Mounter scored with a few timid punches. The Trinidadian then changed tactics and stayed on the outside while using long ranged crosses. Mounter managed to weave his way in but failed to take full advantage which only served to bolster Joseph’s courage.
The Trinidadian came out in the final round using his height to full advantage, forcing Mounter to cover up to stem the blows. Joseph then upped the ante and a wicked right cross landed on Mounter’s temple and caused the referee to jump in and institute the mandatory 8 count. Mounter rejoined the fray but was tagged with another jolting straight right that attracted another 8 count. The disparity in class was apparent as Joseph advanced and connected with a thudding straight right that forced the referee to institute another mandatory 8 count, at the end of which, she rightfully halted the lopsided contest. The time was 2:11secs of the third stanza.
In the first international affair, Trinidadian, Blessing Waldrop and Jamaican, Malachi Baker engaged in a delightful three rounds affair in the 75kgs (Youth) category where the former boxer prevailed. Another Jamaican, Jerone Innis ensured his country stay in contention with a crunching TKO win over St Lucian, Jwevel Matty, in 2:32secs of the third stanza.
Earlier in the night, the fans were entertained with 4 bouts among Guyanese boxers in the Schoolboys category. Shaquancy Wright continued to impress with a unanimous verdict over Malichi Jones in their 37kgs shindig, while Travis Invary
pounded out a majority verdict over Jakeel Cadagon in the 42kgs division. Dwane Baptiste was also in winners’ row when he pounded out a unanimous verdict over Dwayne Castello.
Meanwhile, the occasion was graced by several dignitaries who all delivered brief remarks at the opening ceremony. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, urged the participants to compete fairly. He noted that while each country will attempt to establish its dominance, the pivotal idea is to retain unity and oneness among the Caribbean community. He further lauded the efforts of his executives who he said fought valiantly to realize the requisite finance for the success of the card. Mr. NInvalle bemoaned the fact that despite such ardent efforts his team was unable to secure the necessary financing for the tournament. He said that he had dispatched the requisite document, a strategic 4 year plan to the GOA and the NSC and hoped that those officials could expedite a favourable response in the near future.
Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, lauded the organizers and reiterated his Government’s commitment to the development of the sport. He said that his presence at the championships coupled with the assistance rendered is testimony of his government’s policy to assist in the development of boxing and other disciplines.
President of the Guyana Olympic Association, K A Juman Yassin, echoed the sentiments of Ninvalle and Jones. He wished the participants well and urged them to compete in the true spirit of the sport.
The action continued last evening and local boxers would have aspired to reassert their dominance. The finals will be staged tonight and admission remains at $1000 for ringside and $500 for the stands.