Boxing nursery shines at GBA developmental tournament in Berbice

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) staged an exciting developmental tournament on March 28 at the Rose Hall Primary School Tarmac, combining competitive youth action with a heartfelt tribute to longtime boxing contributor Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort.

The event formed part of the Association’s ongoing grassroots drive to strengthen amateur boxing across Guyana, while recognising Cort’s invaluable contributions to the sport over the years.

Before the opening bell, special acknowledgement was given to Cort for his dedication and service. A consistent supporter of youth programmes and developmental initiatives, he has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and promoting discipline, structure and opportunity through boxing.

The tournament featured 10 scheduled bouts and attracted fighters from Harpy Eagle Boxing Gym (HEBG), Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG), Pace and Power Boxing Gym (P&P), and New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA).

In the opening contest, Abu Barker (HEBG) dominated gym mate Ragheen Alexis, sweeping all three rounds in their 20-23kg clash.

Omar Morris (HEBG) followed with a narrow but deserved victory over Nathon Sugrim in the 26-29kg division, winning two of the three rounds.

Richard Da Silva (HEBG) delivered a polished performance to outclass Imotex Vanderstoop (ALBG), while the scheduled bout between Junior Madray (ALBG) and Kellon Mullin (HEBG) was cancelled after Mullin failed his pre-fight medical examination.

Dellon Andrews (HEBG) impressed with a second-round stoppage of Terique Venture (HEBG), prompting the referee to halt the contest.

Ishmeal Ramsaroop (P&P) secured a first-round victory over Malachi Samuels (P&P), and Itavius Vanderstoop (ALBG) produced a similar stoppage win against Travolta Harris (HEBG).

Curtis McDonald (NABA) and Lennox Lawrence (ALBG) went the distance in one of the day’s more competitive bouts, with McDonald earning the nod on the judges’ scorecards.

Ken Harvey (ALBG) reinforced his reputation as one of the Caribbean’s promising young punchers, stopping Emmanuel Sandiford (P&P) in the second round.

To close the programme, Simeon Hamer (ALBG) outclassed Terron Wintz (NABA) over the scheduled distance.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Richard Da Silva (U-15), Itavius Vanderstoop (U-17) and Ken Harvey (U-19) were named Best Boxers in their respective categories. Harpy Eagle Boxing Gym claimed the Best Gym award, with Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym finishing as runner-up.