The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will conclude its 2024 season with the staging of the annual Terrence Ali National Open Championship from December 13-15 at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, Georgetown.
President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle said the Open championship is the most prominent local event on the amateur boxing calendar of activities and fittingly brings to a conclusion a very successful and fruitful year for the discipline.
“Traditionally the championship has served as that bridge or conduit between the realms of amateur and professional, and while the advancement of the amateur game, both on the local and international circuit, has evolved in every facet, the importance of the event has duly followed suit.”
Ninvalle added that the tournament is an exhibition of Guyana’s best and offers a glimpse into the country’s present and immediate future in the amateur segment or possible professional ranks.
“Household names are established at this juncture, but more important from a developmental perspective, it is an exhibition in the association’s structural and refinement process of the pugilists’ respective skills given the pathway they would have undertaken from the nursery, novices, and intermediate stages.
“This is a pathway that has been established and built upon given its importance in the overall development of the pugilists, and we aim to strengthen this procedure to ensure that all fighters are properly equipped with the necessary tools so that they are prepared for the international rigours of an amateur career or the professional realm.”
The official weigh-in and medical evaluation exercise will take place on December 12 under the supervision of qualified experts, the GBA said.
A number of prominent gyms have confirmed their participation, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, New Amsterdam Academy, Rose Hall, Vergenoegen and Republicans.
