Latest update March 26th, 2026 7:55 AM
Harvey blasts first-round victory as Pepsi Mike Parris Youth Championship Ignites
Kaieteur Sports – Emerging youth standout Ken Harvey continued his ruthless rise through the ranks with another emphatic first-round victory as the Guyana Boxing Association launched its flagship youth event, the Pepsi Mike Parris Developmental Boxing Tournament, yesterday at the Pace and Power Boxing Gym in Castello, Georgetown.
Harvey wasted no time asserting dominance against gym mate Sizo Vanderstoop, unleashing a punishing body attack that ended the contest almost as soon as it began. Sharp jabs set up cannon-like punches to the midsection, repeatedly driving Vanderstoop back into the ropes. The damage was decisive—Vanderstoop failed to answer the bell for the second round, handing Harvey the victory and yet another Best Boxer accolade in the Youth division.
The Guyana Boxing Association wrapped up it first Pepsi/Mike Parris Boxing Championship yesterday inside the Pace and Power Boxing Gym. Several pugilists flanked the ring for a photo-op, marking the conclusion of the GBA’s first Under-16 championship of the 2026 season.
The win marked Harvey’s second triumph of the 2026 season, both coming via early abandonment, underlining his reputation as one of the most feared young punchers on the local circuit.
In a previous bout, Emmanuel Sandiford delivered drama of a different kind as he edged Quintin Venture by split decision in an all–Pace and Power showdown. The evenly matched contest was fought at a furious pace, with both boxers trading leather for all three rounds. Sandiford’s slightly heavier punches proved just enough to sway the judges after an epic back-and-forth that thrilled the modest crowd.
Earlier on the card, Divius Vanderstoop of the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym made short work of Kelon Pere, forcing a referee stoppage at 1:35 of the opening round. Nathan Sugrim claimed a well-earned RSC victory over Richard Da Silva in their schoolboy’s clash, while Omar Darker of Harpy Eagles outpointed Emmanuel Nelson. In the Junior ranks, Josh Chester (Andrew Lewis) controlled all three rounds to defeat Derrick Springer of Pace and Power and secure the gold.
Youth Boxer Ken Harvey forces gym mate Vanderstoop into the ropes during a penetrating first round victory.
The Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym emerged as the dominant force on the day, capturing Best Gym honours with four victories. Coach James Walcott also of Harpy Eagles was named Best Coach.
Best Boxer awards were shared among Imhotep Vanderstoop (Schoolboys), Divius Vanderstoop (Junior), and the night’s headline act, Ken Harvey, who once again proved that when he steps into the ring, the ending rarely takes long.
The Pepsi/Mike Parris U16 Boxing Championship continues to provide a vital platform for young boxers to demonstrate their talent while gaining valuable experience ahead of regional competitions. The event reflects the dedication and hard work of both the athletes and their coaches, whose efforts have played a key role in developing and refining the skills of these emerging champions. It also underscores the GBA’s commitment to creating pathways for boxers to succeed beyond Guyana, supporting their progression toward the professional ranks.
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