Boxing Association hails successful National Open tournament; GDF retains Champion Gym title

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym once again underlined its supremacy on the local scene after retaining the Champion Gym title at the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) National Championship, which concluded over the weekend at the National Gymnasium.

Continuing a period of sustained dominance, the GDF finished with seven victories, comfortably ahead of the Forgotten Youth Foundation, which secured three wins, to emerge as the most successful gym of the tournament.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle applauded the “combined and extra effort” of his executive, coaches, referee/judges and boxers which allowed for a successful tournament.

“It was indeed heartening observe the collective push in the same direction,” Ninvalle said.

The championship brought together the country’s leading gyms and boxers across schoolboy, youth, junior and elite divisions, delivering three days of keenly contested bouts and high-level performances.

Individual accolades were spread across several gyms, reflecting the growing depth of talent within the sport.

Andrew ‘Six-head’ Lewis Gym enjoyed a standout showing, with Imhotep Vanderstoop being named Schoolboy Best Boxer after an impressive run marked by discipline and ring intelligence.

The gym also celebrated Ken Harvey, who captured the Best Youth Boxer award following a series of commanding performances.

In the junior ranks, Kurt Mahase of the New Amsterdam Boxing Association was adjudged Best Junior Boxer, rewarding his consistency and technical sharpness throughout the tournament.

The elite division produced some of the weekend’s most compelling action. Emmanuel Pompey of the Forgotten Youth Foundation was crowned Elite Best Boxer, while teammate Abiola Jackman walked away with the Best Female Boxer award, highlighting the foundation’s continued impact in developing both male and female fighters at the senior level.

National Champion and Olympian Keevin Allicock added a special touch to the championship, making contributions of trophies and hampers on behalf of MVP Sports, Smalta and Jai Signs.

His involvement was warmly received and served as inspiration for the younger boxers aspiring to follow his path onto the international stage.

In a post-tournament release, the GBA noted that the championship officially bring the curtains down on what it described as a busy and productive year for the association.

The body expressed satisfaction with the overall level of competition, stating that the performances on display reflected the hard work and commitment shown by gyms throughout the year.

The association further indicated that it will now take a short break before resuming activities in the new year, as it continues to roll out its development and exposure initiatives aimed at strengthening boxing across Guyana.