Persaud, Madray, Matherson, McDonald shine at GBA Developmental Tournament

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) continued its drive to nurture the country’s next generation of fighters when it staged another entertaining Developmental Tournament on Saturday at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym in Albouystown, Georgetown.
The event brought together several promising young boxers from gyms across the country, including Pace and Power Boxing Gym; Harpy Eagle Boxing Gym; Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) and the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA), with the athletes delivering a number of competitive and spirited performances throughout the evening.

Action in the 30-33kg division opened, with Terrie Matherson of Pace and Power Boxing Gym getting the better of clubmate Josiah Abraham on points after an energetic display. In another clash within the same weight category, Tyrese De Younge also came away with a points victory against Patrick Wilson.
Harpy Eagle’s Imhotep Vanderstoop was awarded a walkover win over teammate Tyrese Mullin in the 31-34kg division, while Ukesh Persaud of NABA impressed with a polished performance to outpoint Harpy Eagle’s Denzil Thomas in their 33-36kg matchup.
One of the standout performances on the card came in the 36-39kg division, where Junior Madray of ALBG forced Marcus Vanderstoop of Harpy Eagle to retire from the contest after controlling the action from the opening bell.
The lone female encounter of the tournament proved to be among the highlights of the evening. Competing in the 43-45kg category, Makayla Rose of Pace and Power edged Harpy Eagle’s Mya Simon by split decision following a highly-competitive battle between the two young boxers.
Trevor Matherson of Pace and Power turned in a confident showing in the 47-50kg division, leading to the retirement of ALBG’s Itavius Vanderstoop. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Bancroft of ALBG produced a disciplined effort to defeat Akeem Ross of Pace and Power on points in their 52-55kg contest.
The older divisions also delivered plenty of excitement for the spectators gathered at the venue. In the 60-63kg class, Dyreck Springer of Pace and Power bested Curtis McDonald of NABA by Referee Stopped Contest (RSC).
Emmanuel Springer later followed with another stoppage victory, defeating Izzla Vanderstoop in the second round of their 63-66kg bout at the 2:14 mark.
In the 74-77kg category, Simeon Hamer of ALBG battled his way to a split-decision win over Jofes Jackson of NABA in one of the closest contests of the night.
The final bout on the programme saw Ken Harvey of ALBG receiving a walkover against Hotham Vancooten of NABA.
At the end of the tournament, several fighters and officials were recognised for their performances and contributions.
Ukesh Persaud of NABA was named Best School Age Boxer, while Junior Madray of ALBG collected the Best U13 Boxer award. Terrie Matherson of Pace and Power earned the Best U15 Boxer title, and Curtis McDonald of NABA was voted Best Under-17 Boxer.
Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym was named Best Gym of the tournament, with Pace and Power Boxing Gym finishing as runners-up, while veteran trainer Lennox Daniels received the Best Coach award for his continued work in youth boxing development.
According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, the tournament once again showcased the growing pool of talent emerging within Guyana’s boxing fraternity as the Association continues to strengthen its developmental programmes geared towards producing future national and international champions. Ninvalle added that another tournament would be held within two weeks.