Joshua Thambaran standing atop the podium after a recent Youth bout
On the heels of two boxers recently competing in the World Junior Boxing Championships, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is seeking to persist in its emphasis placed on international competition, a feature that was substantial and evidentiary in 2023, according to the Association.
As such, this mantra will continue in the impending year, as a two-member fight roster has been selected to participate in the prestigious Youth World Boxing Cup from March 3rd–11th 2024 in Budva, Montenegro.
Pugilists Joshua Thambaran of the Rose Hall Town Jammers (RHJ) Gym and Shakquain James of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Gym will enter the squared circle at the Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in representation of Guyana, with technical officer and national coach Lennox Daniels serving in his traditional capacity.
For eligibility, the tournament stipulates that all fighters must have been born during the period 2006–2007.
The boxers will also be exposed to a pre-tournament camp, which is scheduled to be conducted from February 17th to March 3rd. The competition, which is being administered in accordance with IBA Rules and Regulations, will feature 13 weight categories for men, namely: 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg, and +92kg.
Shaquain James
Meanwhile, 12 weight divisions have been drawn up for women, comprising 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, and +81kg.
In accolades to look forward to, each divisional winner will be awarded a gold medal, while silver and bronze medals will be presented to the second and third-place finishers. Special accolades will also be presented to the boxers adjudicated best.
Touching on the Association’s development agenda, GBA President Steve Ninvalle underscored the successes that have come from that agenda.
“The developmental agenda of the GBA is an unending exercise. 2024, like the empirical undertakings of 2023, must and will continue in this manner as we strive to build on our accomplishments, so that a breakthrough, which has become a familiar occurrence on the regional circuit, can be realised and achieved once more on the international plane,” Ninvalle said in a comment.
Recognised as the most vocal administrator in Caribbean boxing, Ninvalle added, “This tournament is the strongest youth championship globally, given the calibre of opponents that frequent its squared circle. In the previous two iterations, a total of 15 champions and 35 medalists from various world championships, inclusive of titleholders emanating from European, Asian, and Pan American events, confirmed the competitive and prestigious nature of the event. This is the high level of international participation that is required for development.
“This development not only applies to the fighters, but also to the technical officers, who must match their wits and strategies with those of similarly versed technocrats in their bid and effort to achieve the common goal of success.
“Guyana must embrace this level of challenge and adversity if we are to continue to evolve in the right direction and not stagnate and be relegated to simply regional supremacy.”
Adding to the GBA’s drive to expose the duo to next year’s opportunity is the fact that Akeelah Vancooten and Tiquan Sampson recently received World ranking on the Youth sphere, after competing in the World Junior Boxing Championships.
