Keevin Allicock out of Pan Am qualifiers on technicality

Keevin Allicock looks set to miss the Pan American Games after having to gift his semi-final spot to Alexy Cruz, on the basis of a contentious ‘inappropriate attire’ for competition. The quarter-final bout was against the Dominican Republic at the Pan Am qualifiers in Nicaragua.

According to President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, Allicock lost by walkover after the fight supervisor deemed his vest colour inappropriate for competition.

Allicock, who was scheduled to box out of the red corner, was attired in a red and black vest.

Ninvalle stated, “One hour before his fight he was inspected and given clearance by the International Technical Officer. Allicock was also allowed into the ring by the referee who saw nothing wrong with his attire.”

However, the Supervisor intervened just before the start of the fight with the claim and Allicock was given one minute to leave the ring, go to the changing room and return “properly attired”.

Upon his return it was deemed he lost by walkover. A protest was immediately filed, but the supervisor remained steadfast and unflinching in his position.

The new rules of International Boxing Association, AIBA, article 48.3.4 in particular, states that a boxer can compete in his national colours. Red and Black are colours of the Golden Arrowhead.

The GBA finds the ruling of the supervisor as unjust, unreasonable, unsportsmanlike, excessive, unwarranted and that which goes against the grain of what the new AIBA is promoting.

Ninvalle, who is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee, stated he has dispatched protest letters to both the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) and AIBA for this ruling to be overturned, and he expects a favourable response.

Colin Lewis and Desmond Amsterdam were the other Guyanese at the qualifiers.