Patrick Forde Memorial boxing tourney punches off tonight

The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will come alive this evening when the Patrick Forde Memorial boxing tournament makes its grand return.
Intense action is anticipated from the 16 bouts slated for the tourney, 11 of which will feature international pugilists. According to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), boxers hailing from St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname touched down in the Land of Many Waters on Friday and Saturday.
At a press conference on Friday night, GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole MS, shared that changes have been made to the lineup of bouts. Among those changes is a switch in opponent for Guyana’s Keevin Allicock, who will now do battle with Trinidad and Tobago’s Shawn Joseph.

Guyana’s Colin Lewis, who has been injured, will not take to the ring.
GBA President Steve Ninvalle also shared that the GBA had planned the tournament last year, but were unable to host it. Ninvalle voiced positive emotions about being able to host the tournament once again.
The GBA President explained, “We’ve been planning this for some time. As a matter of fact, we were trying to see how possible it is that we could’ve had one in 2022, but because of the fact that we always wanted to host this tournament around Mashramani, that was not possible; because, at that time, we really did not have full clearance as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a good feeling that we have, because the feedback that we’re getting from people is that they’re very, very interested in this card. But I guess on Sunday night we’ll know exactly how interested they are.”
Guyanese boxers are now tasked with defending their territory. In this regard, Boxers Alesha Jackman, Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock, who will all be engaged in international bouts, shared some thoughts on the event and their preparation.
“I wasn’t in the ring for the past two years I guess, since 2020; and it’s a great feeling to be back in the ring. I promise to put on my best performance and make my country, my coaches and my president (GBA) proud,” female pugilist Alesha Jackman has said.
Sportsman of the Year 2021-2022, Desmond Amsterdam, has said, “First of all, I have to thank God for health and strength, and having my here tonight. I will assure that all the supporters from Guyana come out, and I will surely put on a good show.”
Keevin Allicock had a word for the supporters of the sport and fans. “I want to thank God for being here. I had a good session, preparing for this tournament. I’m ready with health and strength,” the Tokyo 2020 Olympian has declared.
Allicock went on to add, “My focus is more on the support. I will perform! You guys know me, I am a fighter, and like I said, people come out and support, because that’s where your boxers get to perform.
“This is not just a local tournament, we’re talking about international here, whereby we have 11 international bouts. It’s going to be exciting! It’s going to be something you don’t want to miss!” Allicock concluded.
The Patrick Forde Memorial tournament is being hosted in honour of the late pugilist Patrick Forde, who became the first Guyanese boxer to contest a world title back in 1980.