Developments in local boxing: Guyanese boxers in record 3 int’l assignments this week

In what can only be described as an historic accomplishment, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will be represented by a combined total of 20 pugilists and officials at three international assignments this week, marking this the most active week in the history of the GBA where international assignments are concerned. The travelling contingent is scheduled to depart these shores tomorrow and Friday respectively for St. Lucia, Barbados and Uzbekistan.
Alesha Jackman and sibling Abiola Jackman, who created history by becoming the first Guyanese females to receive International Boxing Association (IBA) ranking, are at the forefront of two of the international assignments. Alesha, ranked 58th in the Elite Women 60-63 kg, or Junior Welterweight division, will spearhead a 12-member roster of nine pugilists and three coaches to compete in the Champion of Champions tournament in St. Lucia. This event concludes on Sunday.

The boxers who depart local shores tomorrow are: Tofina Barker (Junior 54-57kg), Alesha Jackman (Elite 60-63kg), Jamal Eastman (Elite 60-63.5kg), Brian Harris (Elite 71-75kg), Quincy Boyce (Elite 75-80kg), Kevon Harris (Elite 80-86kg), Emmanuel Pompey (Elite 86-92kg), Tiquan Sampson (Junior 57-60kg) and Shakquain James (Youth 63.5-67kg).
Sebert Blake, Clifton Moore and Clifton Barker will serve as coaches during the sojourn.
And on Friday, Abiola, now classified 27th in the world in the Elite Women 81kg-and-over, or heavyweight division, along with Joel Williamson (Elite 57-60kg), will depart for Barbados to compete on a card at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Saturday. National Coach Lennox Daniels will accompany the duo.
Sportsman of the Year, the IBA 23rd ranked Desmond Amsterdam, along with 54th ranked Keevin Allicock, will journey to Uzbekistan from Friday for the World Championships. The pair will participate in a one-week training camp before entering the prestigious event.
GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said: “Undoubtedly, this is the most active international week for the discipline in the history of the association. In the space of two days, 20 pugilists and officials will depart local shores to represent Guyana in three nations. This significant moment comes on the heels of having female boxers represent Guyana at the World Championships in India, which resulted in historic rankings.”
He added, “We have continued to emphasize that we will be exposing our talents in every category and division, and this is clearly indicative and evident of such. The team in particular that will be travelling to St. Lucia is littered with juniors and youth boxers, which highlights our unrelenting attention on our nursery.”