Sustained financial support for Caribbean Lightweight boxing champ

By Avenash Ramzan

“Jamal Eastman is a man of few words; he does the talking in the ring.”

That’s how president of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, described the Caribbean Lightweight boxing champion on Friday afternoon.

Ninvalle made the comment in the presence of Rose Hall Jammers pugilist as they were special guests of Dequan Shipping and Trading and Delmur Company Limited in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

The occasion was to formalise the entities’ financial and other forms of support for the young Eastman as he eyes a successful defence of his title in Trinidad and Tobago in December this year.

The two companies have undertaken to provide a monthly stipend, gear and assistance with overseas travel to Eastman as he continues to tread the path to boxing glory. The boxer also received a pair of Everlast gloves and a cheque to commence the alliance.

Ninvalle wants other companies to follow suit, as he emphasised the point that in many instances overseas boxers have the luxury of solely training and box, while Guyanese have to first earn a livelihood and then focus on training.

Ninvalle, who labelled the occasion “simple, but significant”, hopes such benevolence bestowed on Eastman on Friday can stimulate more ‘talking’ in the ‘square jungle.’

Darren Elcock, representing Dequan Shipping and Trading, said the company understands the difficulties local boxers face, hence he is “proud and happy to help.”

In a brief statement, Eastman, the nephew of distinguished Guyanese boxer Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman, said he is enthused by the support given and promised to do his best to ensure the Caribbean Lightweight belt stays in Guyana.