FROM GLEASONS WITH LOVE! USA based Boxing stalwarts support local boxers’ dreams with donation of gears

Jun 09, 2019 Sports

Ever since, and maybe even before, Cliff Anderson fought Englishman, Al ‘The Algate’ Tiger, in England, for the British Empire Title, Guyana has been regarded as a country of potential champions with a rich boxing heritage.

– benjie boxing donation – Nazar Sulaiman (C) flanked byDarius Forde and Ahmad Alli (L & R respectively) at the culmination of training sessions at Gleasons gym.

Indeed, many other succeeding pugilists upheld this tradition that was further solidified after the late Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis’ historic feat over James Paige that netted him the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title. Ever since then, Guyana has recorded numerous similar accolades including female boxer, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil’s defeat of American Kathy Rivers and Vivian Harris’ victory over Diosbelys Hurtado among many others.
Ironically, most of the local pugilists attaining prestigious world honours would have had training tenures at the world famous Gleasons Gym, Front Street, Brooklyn, USA. Despite its ‘international’ standard, this institution regarded as the foundation of most of the world’s renown champions training venues, has earned plaudits as the place where some of the world’s most renowned punchers would have perfected their art.
It is also here that many of Guyana’s top boxers the likes of Patrick, Reginald and Darius Forde, Kenny Bristol, Brian Muller and a plethora of local punchers would have honed their skills. Gleasons has also been ‘Sixhead’ Lewis’ haunting ground in preparation for his world title clash.
Fresh faces have since taken over the mandate, noted by Lennox Allen’s recent victory that has propelled him to the top of the rankings and an interim world championship belt. He also, have benefited from a stint at Gleasons.
It is with this in mind that former local boxing champion, Darius Ford, has teamed up with Guyanese businessman living in the USA, Ahmad Alli and Senior Master’s Amateur Boxing Champion, Nazar Sulaiman, to offer support to boxers back home in Guyana with an aim of producing many other champions. This group has offered assistance to many local pugilists in the past, especially those of Berbice, at the Rose Hall Jammers Boxing Gym. They have recently responded to a request from former welterweight and Continental of America’s Champion, Michael Benjamin and dispatched boxing gear to realize his dreams of a boxing gym in the Parfait Harmonie community.
Further, they are currently putting together a package for former ESPN boxing star and world rater, Terrence Ali in honour of his service to the sport and by extension, Guyana. “It’s our duty as past boxers and most importantly, patriotic Guyanese,” Forde emphasized. Both Salaiman and Alli nodded in affirmation.

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