Pepsi/Michael Parris U16 Championships: Harvey shines again as young boxers battle
It was another action-packed day at the Pepsi-sponsored Michael Parris U16 Boxing Championships, held over the weekend at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym in Albouystown, Georgetown.
Young pugilists from various gyms across Guyana stepped into the ring and traded leather in a showcase of emerging talent staged by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).
Among the standouts was Ken Harvey of the Andrew Lewis Gym (ALG), who again proved his dominance by earning an impressive win over Josiah Thambaran, the Referee being forced to stop the contest.
His performance earned him the Best Boxer award, making it the second consecutive time he has claimed this honour, having won it in last month’s inaugural edition of this tournament for 2025.
Harvey’s impressive form is a promising sign as he prepares to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Championships this weekend in St Lucia.
A look at the victorious pugilists after the Pepsi/Mike Parris competition
The night began with an unfortunate withdrawal in Bout #1, as Aaron Fileen of the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG) was unable to face Junior Madray (ALG). However, the remaining bouts delivered excitement and intensity.
In Bout #2 (42-45kg), Isiah Ashby (ALG) overwhelmed Rose Hall Jammers’ Jiroeh Mannie (RHJ), forcing the referee to stop the contest.
The trend continued in Bout #5 (53-57kg) when Lennox Lawrence (ALG) proved too much for Cort Mahase.
Isiah Nurse (RHJ) added to the streak of stoppages by taking down Saheed Giddens (RHJ) in Bout #6 (52-55kg).
Other notable victories included Jadon Fileen (VBG) outpointing Kevin Johnson (ALG) in Bout #3 (48-51kg); Ronaldo Hunte (ALG) securing a win over Nicholas Cameron (RHJ) in Bout #8 (65-69kg); and Jofes Jackson defeating Chaka Stephens (ALG) on points in Bout #10 (74-77kg).
A particularly tough battle unfolded in Bout #9 (67-70kg) between Simeon Haymer (ALG) and Jeremiah Arthur (RHJ), but it ended with Haymer winning via unanimous decision.
Andrew Lewis Gym has again stamped its authority on the tournament, taking home the Best Gym Award after several impressive victories. With Harvey leading the charge, ALG continues to showcase some of Guyana’s most promising young boxing talent.
With the dust having settled on another thrilling day of youth boxing, all eyes now turn to the Caribbean Championships in St. Lucia, where Harvey and his teammates will be looking to carry their momentum on to the regional stage.
