Allicock hoping to be role model to younger boxers

Although his journey is far from over, Keevin Allicock is already an inspiration to his peers.
It is by now no secret that Olympic Boxer Keevin Allicock, who hails from Albouystown, had to overcome a lot of stigmas in his amateur boxing career, solely based on where he resides.
In spite of this, the Caribbean Champion and Youth Commonwealth Games silver medalist has made it to the biggest stage in Amateur boxing, The Olympics. And when probed about what this achievement can do for his peers and community, Allicock shared that he is hoping to become a positive role model.

“It’s really a blessing from God for me to stand here and represent where I’m from, because it’s really tough where I’m from, you know. And certain people talk bad about the community,” the 22-year-old told this publication.
He further stated, “So, it’s such an honour for me to do that and using myself as a model to teach the rest of the youngsters in the ghetto, to know you can make a different choice. It’s a privilege to stand here and do such a thing.”
While Allicock sees his achievement as a privilege, there are a number of young and upcoming pugilists who are aspiring to emulate him. Most of these boxers train at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, where Keevin also got his start in the sport.
Alesha Jackman, arguably Guyana’s best female youth boxer, related to this publication that not only is Allicock an inspiration, but he has been helpful throughout her recent training.
“A lot! A lot!” Jackman answered when asked by this publication how much of an inspiration Keevin is to her.
“Even though he’s not here, which in our time and Russia time is different, but every morning he makes sure he calls me and tells me, ‘Well, ‘I know you’re going to the competition, I have my hope in you’. You know, he teach me certain things even before he left,” the female boxer shared.
She added, “So, it’s a lot of inspiration to me, because I know he will bring home gold, and it’s like showing me my journey, and like I got to put my best foot forward.”
For Wayne Castello, the older boxer has been motivating him both in and out the ring.
“Keevin, he always helps us in our training. He always put in the work with us and shows us how to achieve our goals, in boxing and following God. He really helps us in different things,” Castello related.
Meanwhile, Patrick Harvey is hoping to be in Keevin’s shoes when the Next Olympic Games come around. Allicock’s achievement is one that they hope to emulate in the future.
“Well, Keevin is like a second coach to me. Getting to the Olympics is like a long-term goal for me, so definitely that’s where I’m going next four years,” he explained.
Keevin Allicock is currently training in Russia with Coach Sebert Blake as a precursor to his first Olympic stint. Allicock will be part of a 7-athlete team that would represent Guyana from July 23 to August 8. (Jemima Holmes)