Punching again! Harpy Eagles Gym returns to the ring

After years on the ropes, the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym is ready to make its long-awaited return to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), signalling a comeback for one of the country’s most storied boxing institutions.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle hailed the gym’s revival as a major win for the sport and for youth development in Guyana, calling it a “welcome return” for a training ground that once produced some of the nation’s best amateur boxers.

“That gym would’ve produced some world-class amateurs, and we’re happy to see them make a return,” Ninvalle said as he presented a set of training equipment to head coach James Walcott.

For Walcott, the comeback is deeply personal.

The trainer revealed that the gym was forced to close its doors just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, he has fought an uphill battle to keep the spirit of Harpy Eagles alive.

“My mind was out of boxing,” Walcott admitted.

“I trained a good set of youths from the Albouystown area, but they would leave for other more established gyms when they were at their peak. That was hard to take.”

Despite the frustration and setbacks, Walcott said the push to re-open came from within the Albouystown community itself.

Local residents and former trainees urged him to restart the programme, reminding him of the gym’s vital role in keeping young people on the right path.

“We have youths that need guidance, and I know boxing helped take a lot of them off the streets,” Walcott explained.

“This gym is here to help save a lot of youths in Albouystown. Honestly, these young fighters I have now are the reason I’m back- they’re giving me the encouragement to keep punching.”

Ninvalle, who has been a consistent supporter of the coach’s efforts, said the GBA’s backing of the Harpy Eagles Gym fits into a wider national development plan aimed at spreading the sport’s reach across Guyana.

“I’m happy that the Harpy Eagle Gym is making a comeback, and the GBA will continue to support them along the way,” Ninvalle stated.

He added, “This is part of our plan for boxing in Guyana. We’re already working on projects in Linden and Region Nine, and Harpy Eagles’ return strengthens our base even more.”

The Harpy Eagles Gym will make its official return to the competitive scene next weekend at the GBA Under-16 Championship.

Ninvalle, excited about what’s ahead, said, “That gym has always produced top youth boxers in Guyana. I’m eager to see what new talent they’ll bring to the ring.”