Boxing Association president Ninvalle targets Linden for sport’s revival

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, has set his sights on reviving the sport of boxing in Linden, with a strong focus on reestablishing a gym in the mining town that once produced some of Guyana’s top amateur pugilists.

Ninvalle, speaking on the future of the sport, stressed that while Berbice, particularly New Amsterdam, has shown a resurgence in recent years, Linden must also play a central role in the national boxing programme.

“Boxing has long been a cornerstone of sports in Guyana, and Linden has made its share of contributions. We can’t continue to speak of development if we have a community like Linden not involved in the national development of the sport,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA president noted that Linden’s decline in the sport began after the passing of coach Dirk Alexander, who once operated the Young Lions Boxing Gym at Half Mile, Wismar.

Alexander’s work helped shape the career of Cleavon Rock, one of Linden’s most celebrated amateur boxers.

In 2008, Rock made history when he secured Guyana’s first-ever medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games, a silver in Pune, India. That medal also stood as Guyana’s only podium finish at those Games for some time, until emulated by Keevin Allicock in 2017.

Guided by Alexander, Rock went on to enjoy a successful amateur career, giving Linden and Guyana international recognition in the sport.

However, with Alexander’s passing, the gym closed, leaving a major void. Attempts were made to fill the gap, with individuals like Orlon Rogers trying to resuscitate the sport locally, but those efforts fell short.

Ninvalle believes now is the time for a structured revival. To this end, the GBA will be working closely with former Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, along with other stakeholders in the region, to establish a sustainable programme in Linden.

“Linden has given us champions before, and there is no reason why the community cannot once again become a stronghold for boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle highlighted.

While Linden remains a priority, Ninvalle revealed that the GBA is also exploring opportunities on the East Coast of Demerara, with Buxton earmarked as a potential site for another gym.

“New Amsterdam has shown us what happens when we allow for consistent representation at the national level, how much talent can come to the front of development, which then helps us on the regional and international stage,” he said.

Ninvalle underscored that decentralising the sport is critical if Guyana is to produce boxers capable of making an impact beyond its borders.

“Our vision is simple, which is to ensure that every major community has a chance to produce talent and contribute to Guyana’s national boxing programme. Linden is a priority, Buxton is on our radar, and we will continue to expand,” Ninvalle noted.

He explained that the GBA will roll out a number of programmes designed to spread opportunities across the country, ensuring that communities outside of Georgetown are not left behind.