It was mixed fortunes for the Guyanese boxing team on Thursday, as they opened Guyana’s campaign at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
The duo of Alesha Jackman and Keevin Allicock were in action on Thursday morning at the National Olympic Training Centre (Centro Nacional de Entrenamiento Olímpico), picking up a loss and a win respectively; both by Referee Stop Contest (RSC).
A look at the bout between Keevin Allicock (blue) and Panama’s Irvin Mona
Jackman’s bout was the first of the day, as she took on Argentina’s Lucia Noelia Perez in the Women’s 66kg division, for a chance to advance to the quarter-finals.
Jackman, in the red corner, began her usually-spirited display, however, as the Argentinian found her groove, the tide easily went the way of the blues. With a commendable performance in the first round, Jackman returned in the second with the positioning of her head gear becoming a bit of a bother, incurring her first 8-count of the contest.
Two bizarre 8-counts later, the referee stopped the contest with the victory going the way of Perez.
Though the loss was disappointing for the female Guyanese pugilist, Jackman highlighted that there was a lot to learn in the process.
“Well, I didn’t get the decision that I was looking for, but I saw my improvement from my training camp in Cuba and I can say I put on a good performance, better than in India (Women’s World Championships). My Coaches and President, I know they probably mad because of the decision, but I know they can see I did what I had to do and everything left in the referee and the judges’ hands,” Jackman shared.
Keevin Allicock’s hands are raised by the referee signifying his win
In the very next bout, Keevin Allicock in the men’s 57kg category would lift the spirits of the smattering of Guyanese supporters that included fellow teammates and their Caribbean counterparts.
After his opponent, Irvin Ibarguen Mona of Panama tried a few test shots, Allicock announced himself and his intentions with a lightning fast jab that electrified the venue.
A look at the contest between Alesha Jackman (red) and Argentina’s Lucia Perez
Allicock would continue in similar fashion, focusing on body shots and uppercuts and quickly wearing down the Panamanian boxer. After completing the first round, Allicock returned hungrier in the second, giving his opponent no opportunity to counter. It was not long before the referee stopped the contest, resulting in Allicock’s victory.
The Guyanese will now go on to fight USA’s Jahmal Harvey in the quarter-finals, Monday afternoon.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport following the bout, Allicock talked about utilising his vast experience on the big stage and their crucial Pan Am preparation in Cuba.
“It was good, you know – first fight. I just used my experience and went into the ring and captivate,” Allicock related about the fight.
Turning his attention to the win via RSC, he explained, “I mean, that doesn’t build my confidence, my confidence is always in God and he gives me strength and the power and the victory over all these fighters. But I don’t underestimate none of my opponents, regardless if they’re now fighting or fighting long, that’s something I don’t do. When I reach into the ring and I sense the fear in them, that’s why I go.”
Quizzed about what he would do to improve his performance, Allicock responded, “Yeah, just to settle a little bit more, use the experience that I have and you know, what I learned in camp. That is, that really play a big role in me fighting here by helping me to get that victory.”
The Pan American Games are expected to officially open today, with other Guyanese athletes going into action tomorrow, Saturday, October 21.
