AMBC Elite Boxing Championships: GBA honours Desmond Amsterdam for bronze medal win

…“Thank you for making us proud,” says GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) bronze medalist Desmond Amsterdam has been honoured by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) on the heels of his historic achievement several weeks ago.

Competing in the middleweight division at the Elite Continental Championships, Amsterdam was the lone pugilist of the three-man Guyanese team to cop a medal at the prestigious event.
And now the accolades are pouring in, with Amsterdam receiving a promotion to the rank of Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soon after his return.
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), for its part, rewarded this prized boxer in a ceremony held on Thursday night.
“In Latin America, or the Americas, you will find some of the toughest amateur opponents. Your bronze at the Elite Championships is worth a silver or more at maybe a European Championship or an Oceanic Championship. So, we are really proud,” GBA President Steve Ninvalle told this athlete as he explained to Amsterdam why the GBA was rewarding him.
Ninvalle added, “This is just a small way of us saying, ‘Thank you very much!’. You have not done this for yourself, but you’ve given boxing a fillip, a push, that now we are not being recognised as going to championships and not winning, we’re coming back with metal.”
Amsterdam has been presented with a plaque and a monetary donation from the GBA, as Ninvalle emphasised the need to encourage successful athletes. He explained that, in the case of amateur boxing, Amsterdam’s medal is anticipated to bring a ‘turn in tides’, as it is hoped that other boxers would follow in his footsteps.
“This could not have been done without your discipline, your determination. You are now a model boxer for this country, and I commend you and I applaud you, and I hope that many others can take a page out of your book,” Ninvalle told Amsterdam.
Aside from Ninvalle, other GBA executives among several national coaches, and boxers Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis and Jamal Eastman, were present at this auspicious occasion.
Coach Sebert Blake and boxer Colin Lewis were among those who had encouraging words for Amsterdam.
“He’s dedicated! He’s dedicated to the training, and he’s been working hard, especially in this preparation for the last tournament. So, I want to encourage you to continue going down that road; 2024 is just now,” Blake shared at the gathering.
For his part, Lewis shared, “For me, you win both of the fights, but nevertheless, that’s the past. Congratulations!”
Amsterdam, a man of little words, was effusive with gratitude for the GBA gesture.
“I want to thank the Director of Sport, my coaches, my wife, and whoever supported me through my victory. I want to thank everyone, and I will look forward for more support,” the AMBC bronze medalist said.
By defeating Venezuela’s Eldric Sella on his way to the semifinal, Desmond Amsterdam was guaranteed a medal at the AMBC Elite Championships, hosted from March 22 to April 2 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Jemima Holmes)