Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym is preparing to make a strong statement at the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) National Novices Championship, with Coach and trainer James Walcott determined to see his young charges challenge for honours when the three-day tournamen

t gets underway from September 25–27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
The championship is expected to bring together some of the country’s most promising amateur boxers, all eager to seize their moment in the spotlight at one of the most anticipated events on the GBA’s calendar.
For Harpy Eagles, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase the depth of talent being developed under the watchful eye of former boxer-turned-Coach James Walcott, whose gym has established a reputation for producing some of Guyana’s leading youth pugilists.
While Pace and Power Gym and the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy have already publicly signalled their intentions of challenging for the overall title, Walcott is making it clear that Harpy Eagles will not be entering the championship merely to make up the numbers.
The experienced trainer is targeting the crown and believes his stable has enough talent to mount a serious challenge.
“I have at least 15 boxers that I want to bring,” Walcott said, while explaining that more than 20 youngsters, including females, are currently competing for a place on the final team.
“I have a lot, but I have to take like 15 of the best. The competition will be tough this time, so they’re all working and training hard to find a spot on the team for this weekend,” Walcott said.
The battle for selection, he believes, has created an added level of motivation within the gym, with every boxer eager to earn the right to represent Harpy Eagles and ultimately make an impression inside the ring.
“We have been doing well. We either win or come second most times, so my job now is to keep them focused,” Walcott pointed out.
However, while the gym has considerable depth among its male boxers, Walcott remains hopeful that his females will finally get the opportunity to showcase their abilities in competition.
He explained that one of the recurring challenges is finding opponents for his female boxers, despite their commitment to training.
“They’re use to boxing with the boys in the gym, but I would tell them that they can’t fight against boys when we get to tournaments. Sometimes we go to weigh-in, and they don’t have anyone to fight them. So, they would ask me if they could fight with the boys, and I would tell them no,” Walcott stated.
With a handful of female boxers working towards selection, Walcott is hoping circumstances will be different at this year’s Novices Championship.
“They train, and I would love to see them get a chance to fight,” he said.
With competition for places already intensifying at Harpy Eagles, Walcott’s charges are expected to arrive at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall hungry for success, as the gym looks to turn its growing reputation into championship glory.