Guyana and Caribbean Bantamweight champion ‘Lightning’ Keevin Allicock lost to Finland’s Arsian Khataev at the World Boxing Championship in Russia on Wednesday.
Despite an early exit, Allicock is still bubbling with enthusiasm over the wholesome experience gained. Allicock, who moved out of the comfort and usual dominance of Bantamweight (54kg) to the featherweight division (57kg), lost via a split decision in a truly close and exciting bout.
“It was a close fight; I still think I won it…it has been a wonderful experience fighting at the World Championships for the first time. Fighting in the new weight class for the first time too…I need to put in some extra work but I feel comfortable. I still think I won, but the Judges’ decision is final. I still think I need to get more exposure, get out there and let the referee/judges get to know me more,” the young pugilist related to News Room Sport Wednesday.
Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President, Steve Ninvalle, indicated it was a tough pill to swallow for the young talent, but he knows what it takes to be the best.
“The guy he fought was a seasoned guy on the European strip, and he was coming down from lightweight to make featherweight…Keevin gave a very good account of himself and it shows why exposure and more exposure can only get him better.”
The Olympic Qualifiers are set for March 26 to April 4 in Argentina and Ninvalle stated that the boxer would need some overseas exposure to get in shape for that event.
“We really shouldn’t go if we are not properly prepared,” the boxing head stated, while mentioning that Trinidad had four persons attending the championships while Guyana had only one.
It is understood the Association had to expend $1.3 million to make Allicock’s trip to Russia a reality.
Guyana’s last appeared at the World Championship in 2013 in Kazakhstan with Dennis Thomas and Imran Khan.
