GBA takes developmental tournament to Berbice in honour of Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will take its developmental tournament to Berbice on Saturday (February 28), as several of the country’s top amateur prospects converge on Rose Hall, Corentyne, for a special edition of the association’s flagship grassroots programme.

The event, which forms part of the Michael Parris/Pepsi Under-16 Championship series, is set to take place at the Rose Hall Primary School from 14:00h and is expected to attract fighters from gyms across Guyana.

Talented boxers in various weight categories, many already regarded among the nation’s most promising amateurs, will collide in what is anticipated to be an action-packed showcase of skill emerging talent.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said the staging of the tournament in Berbice is particularly significant, as it fulfils a commitment he made at the funeral of the late boxing coach Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort.

“At Coach Cort’s funeral, I made a promise that the GBA would bring a developmental programme to Berbice in his honour, and we are proud to fulfil that promise,” Ninvalle stated.

Berbice, Ninvalle said, “has always been fertile ground for boxing talent, and it is important that we continue to invest in the young fighters there.”

Ninvalle emphasised that the developmental tournament is a critical pillar of the association’s long-term vision.

“These programmes are not just about competition; they are about building character, discipline and providing exposure for our young boxers. Hosting this edition at Rose Hall Primary allows us to connect directly with the community and continue strengthening the foundation of boxing in Berbice,” he explained.

“The GBA remains committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to grow and represent Guyana with pride.”

Over the years, the GBA’s developmental initiative has unearthed budding talent, particularly from Berbice, with several fighters going on to establish themselves among the best in the Caribbean.

Cort was regarded as a central figure in that pipeline, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and guiding young boxers who later excelled at regional and international levels.

Saturday’s tournament will therefore serve not only as a competitive spectacle, but also as a tribute to Cort’s enduring legacy and the proud contribution of Berbice to Guyana’s boxing landscape.