Amsterdam is now Guyana’s highest IBA-ranked boxer

Oct 22, 2022 Sports

Kaieteur News – Following his impressive exploits at the prestigious Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships and the more recent South American Games in Paraguay, which resulted in a bronze medal, emerging local pugilist ‘Dynamite’ Desmond Amsterdam, is now the highest-ranked International Boxing Association (IBA) Guyanese boxer.

Desmond Amsterdam (right) avoids a blow from New Zealand’s Emile Richardson during their bout at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. (Getty Images)

This was confirmed following the latest rankings published by the world authority. According to the standings, the AMBC Elite middleweight bronze medalist rose to the rank of 23rd. This is Amsterdam’s first-ever rating from IBA, formerly AIBA.

Desmond Amsterdam

The reserved Amsterdam lost to Benjamin Grimaux of Argentina in the semi-final round. The unfortunate defeat transpired after the Guyana Defence Force Sergeant made light work of Diego Mejia of Venezuela in the previous quarterfinal section.

Amsterdam also competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in August and secured a quarterfinal finish. The aforementioned also played a significant role in his rapid ascension in the world standings.

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle stated that Amsterdam’s meteoric rise both locally and regionally is a direct by-product, and derivative of his commitment, discipline, and overall dedication to the sport.

According to Ninvalle, Amsterdam’s current trajectory illustrates what can be achieved via the platform of sport if long-term structured developmental programmes are appropriately implemented, adding that the entity applauds the pugilist on the accomplishment, a feat which would not have been realized without “good old fashioned hard-work”.

Ninvalle, also congratulated featherweight Keevin Allicock, who also secured a South American Games bronze medal. Allicock is ranked 54th in his division. Allicock was previously ranked 19th.

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