Up to US$80,000 on the line as Amsterdam, James prepare for IBA President’s Cup

The experienced Desmond Amsterdam and shining prospect Shakquain James will fly the Golden Arrowhead high in Türkiye later this month.
The Guyanese boxing duo will have the opportunity to test their abilities against some of the world’s leading fighters when they represent the country at the International Boxing Association (IBA) President’s Cup in Istanbul, from November 25 to December 5.

The two boxers, both members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), will be accompanied by National Coach Lennox Daniels as they prepare to compete at one of the sport’s prestigious international gatherings, which will bring together elite amateur and professional boxers.
Their participation represents another opportunity for Guyana to showcase its boxing talent on the international stage, while allowing the country’s fighters to measure themselves against high-level opposition.
The President’s Cup will feature competition across 12 Elite Men’s weight categories: 48–50kg, 52kg, 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, 90kg, 100kg and over 100kg.
Beyond the quality of competition, this year’s tournament carries additional significance, as it will serve as the opening stage of the IBA’s new Elite competition pathway.
The initiative is designed to provide boxers with opportunities to compete at the highest international level, accumulate valuable IBA World Ranking Points and earn substantial prize money for their performances.
The financial incentives attached to the tournament are significant, with individual prize money reaching US$80,000 for gold medallists in each weight category.
Runners-up will receive US$40,000, while third-place finishers will earn US$22,000. Boxers finishing fifth will also be rewarded with US$5,000.
The financial structure also recognises performances before the final stages of the competition.
Fighters will receive US$500 for every bout won on their journey to the quarter-finals. Upon reaching that stage, they will enter the placement-based prize-money structure, beginning with the fifth-place award.
Importantly, the IBA’s distribution model extends beyond the individual athlete, recognising the contribution of the coaching staff and national federations to international success.
Under the arrangement, prize money will be distributed with 50 per cent going to the boxer, 25 per cent to the coach and the remaining 25 per cent to the National Federation.
The IBA’s philosophy behind the model is to reward the athlete, recognise the team responsible for their preparation and performance, and provide additional support to national federations.
Meanwhile, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle has expressed gratitude to the GDF’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, for his continued support of the country’s boxers, particularly those serving in the military.
Ninvalle noted that Khan has consistently ensured that GDF-attached boxers are made available to represent Guyana at international competitions, while also establishing a pathway for their upward mobility within the military through success on the regional and international sporting stage.
According to the GBA President, that arrangement provides the boxers with an additional incentive to excel, giving them something more to compete for whenever they step into the ring representing their country.
Ninvalle described James and Amsterdam’s selection for the Istanbul assignment as part of the association’s broader strategy to expose Guyanese boxers to the highest levels of international competition.
He emphasised that the GBA remains committed to creating opportunities for local fighters to demonstrate their abilities against the best in the world, while gaining the experience necessary to advance their careers.