Pan American Games 2023: Jackman, Allicock open Guyana’s account today

Although the Pan American Games 2023 are not yet officially opened, Guyana will begin its campaign today with two boxers being set to do battle.
Alesha Jackman, lone female in the 5-member boxing team, will square up against Argentina’s Lucia Noelia Perez in the Women’s 66Kg class, while Keevin Allicock will face off with Panama’s Irvin Javier Ibarguen Mona in the Men’s 57Kg category.
On the eve of the all-important clashes, Head Coach Terrence Poole, MS, shared about the team’s three-week preparation in Cuba, and how it can assist them in Santiago, Chile. “We know Cuba boxing is up there, so training among the best, you supposed to be part of the best also.

“In Cuba, there was tough competition in terms of them getting sparring, high level sparring, which supposed to do good for their confidence and also their ability when they get into the ring. So, I think the training period was very, very high-intensity. All we need to do now is go into the ring and transfer what you learn outside into the arena,” Poole told this publication.
This year’s Pan American Games give athletes from several disciplines the opportunity to punch a direct ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. With this incentive being on the minds of the Guyanese boxers, Coach Poole expressed his belief in their ability to achieve such.
Poole said about Keevin Allicock, “I think he have a very good chance in delivering, ensuring that he’s on the podium and even qualifying for 2024 (Olympics).
“I think we have a few chances among the five; you might not say all 5, but we have a few great chances among that five coming out for 2024 Paris,” he added.
Guyana’s boxing team at the Pan American Games comprises Desmond Amsterdam (79kg), Keevin Allicock (57kg), Emmanuel Pompey (92kg), Joel Williamson (63.5kg), and Alesha Jackman (66kg). While the duo will get the ball rolling today, the remainder of the team will get into action this weekend.v