Guyanese pugilist Keevin Allicock started the country’s campaign at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships on a stellar note, with an opening victory.
Allicock came up against Turkmenistan boxer Yhlas Gylychjanov Monday morning, in a Round of 64 featherweight contest at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Keevin Allicock’s hand is officially raised after the bout was stopped by the referee
While the Guyanese boxer, fighting out of the red corner, looked well-poised in the first two rounds, it was in the third he upped the ante, landing decisive blows on his opponent. The bout was eventually stopped by the referee, just over a minute into the third round, and victory was assured for Allicock.
The pugilist will now move on to the Round of 32, where he is expected to oppose Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan.
Guyanese boxer Keevin Allicock
The other Guyanese boxer at the championships, reigning Sportsman of the Year Desmond Amsterdam will also be in action this week against Bulgaria’s Kristiyan Nikolov, in the Light Heavy Round of 32.
The Guyanese boxers competing in Uzbekistan are accompanied by Coach Terrence Poole.
If the Guyanese duo are to medal at the ongoing World Championships, they stand the chance of pocketing US$200,000 for a gold medal, US$100,000 (the previous champion’s purse) for a silver medal or US$50,000 for a bronze medal.
In total, 538 boxers from 107 countries are competing at this year’s Boxing World Championships.
