BOXERS of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continued their forward march in an effort to make a successful defence of the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis National Novice’s Championships which concluded last evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

There were eight fights carded for the night and of that number, the Army won six, but two of those victories were by way of walk-overs, while the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG) won the other two, against their teammates.

However, there were some highlights during the night’s proceeding that ensured that patrons got value for money.

One such fight was a bantamweight contest between Andrew Griffith (GDF) and Romano Hamblin of the Republican Gym (Rep).

From the start of the contest, Griffith, the taller of the two boxers, kept his opponent at bay with left jabs and right hand shots as Hamblin tried to step close to his opponent. But instead of working on Griffith’s mid-section, he chose to go to his head; it proved useless as Griffith continued to keep him (Hamblin) at bay with left jabs.

In round two, Griffith changed his approach and caught Hamblin with some telling straight rights that sent the Republican boxer to the canvas for an eight-count.
On resumption, Griffith started to pressure Hamblin even more and Hamblin received a further two eight counts, forcing the referee to call a halt to the proceeding at two minutes, eight seconds of the second round.

The fourth fight saw a determined Deon Samuels (Rep) being stopped in the third round by GDF’s Troy Miggins; this was after Samuels went to the centre of the ring in a very aggressive mood, connecting to the soldiers’ body and head for most of the round.

Round two saw Miggins coming out intent on finishing the fight as early as possible, adapting a no-nonsense approach and earning an eight-count. However, Miggins was on the receiving end when the round continued, with Samuels sending him to the canvas for an eight-count also.

The fight looked even going into the third round which turned into a slug-fest, with Samuels looking more aggressive. Miggins held on for all he was worth and on separation by the referee, connected to Samuels’ head with a telling right that caused Samuels to become dazed and stumbled. The referee rightfully called a halt to the fight.

In other results, VBG’s Christopher Moore defeated his gymmate, Shaquie Wright on points in their lightweight youth finals, while in the welterweight division of the Youth final, Trevon Elcock of VBG defeated Akeil Mounter of the same gym on points.

In the junior welterweight division of the Novices championships, Orlando Grenville (GDF) scored a first round technical win against Adrian Robertson (Rep). The fight ended at one minute 41 seconds of the round.

In the welterweight category, GDF’s Corlette Greenidge scored a second round knock-out win over Jamal Crawford. The fight ended at 45 seconds of the second round.

Angel Anys of the Young Achievers Boxing Gym then secured a walk-over victory from GDF’s Montel Fraser who had earlier injured his shoulder and Astion Niles (GDF) also secured a walk-over victory from Shakeal Damon of the Forgotten Youth Foundation gym.
It was reported that Damon failed to turn up for the weigh-in Saturday morning.