‘Leave everything in the ring’- Ninvalle confident as boxers head off to Caribbean Championship

Guyana’s boxing team departed Thursday for Castries, St. Lucia, ready to trade leather in the highly anticipated 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship. The tournament, which runs until March 3, marks the return of the prestigious regional event after a four-year hiatus.

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) sent off the largest contingent in the country’s history, a squad of 16 elite and emerging pugilists, with high hopes of reclaiming regional dominance.

Before their departure, the team gathered at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, where they were encouraged by GBA President Steve Ninvalle.

“I want you to go out there and do your best; leave everything in the ring,” Ninvalle told the boxers.

“We want to win, but remember, whatever the judges decide, that’s what we have to accept. But I believe in each of you, and I know you will go out there and make us all proud.”

At the helm of Guyana’s squad is Olympian Keevin Allicock (57kg), a three-time gold medallist in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Caribbean Championships. Allicock remains undefeated in this regional showdown and is determined to extend his dominance in St. Lucia.

Backing him is a star-studded line-up, including seasoned warriors like Colin Lewis (67kg), Travis Inverary (71kg), Emanuel Pompey (92kg), and Aluko Bess (86kg).

The Jackman sisters, Alesha and Abiola Jackman, along with Zidnan Wray (91+kg) add firepower to the squad, ensuring Guyana brings a formidable presence across multiple weight classes.

Middleweight standout Desmond Amsterdam (75kg), a silver medallist at the 2023 Elite Championship, is another key puncher in Guyana’s pursuit of regional glory.

He will be joined by Ronalo Sutton (51kg), Joel Williamson (63.5kg), and Leon Albert (60kg), each aiming to showcase the high-level skills honed on home soil.

The Junior division features rising stars Ken Harvey (57-60kg), Keyon Britton (48-50kg), and Lennox Lawrence (54-57kg), all of whom are looking to gain invaluable experience in their young careers.

Meanwhile, the Youth division is stacked with emerging talents, including Tofina Barker (54kg), Simeon Haymer (63-66kg), Joshua Tambaran (52kg), and Terroz Wintz (66-70kg).

A seasoned coaching unit will guide the team from the corner, featuring National Coach Lennox Daniels, esteemed Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, Clifton Moore and Jeff Roberts.

The Caribbean Boxing Championship has long been the proving ground for the region’s top amateur fighters, and Guyana has consistently been a force to be reckoned with.

“The only reason we didn’t win in 2019, is because we didn’t have a large contingent,” Ninvalle told the boxers, “but this time around, we know that you will bring back the title to Guyana.”

The nation last won the overall championship title on home soil in 2018 and delivered a strong performance in 2019 in Trinidad and Tobago.