BOXING gyms across the country are a hive of activity as boxers get their bodies and minds in shape for the Guyana Boxing Association’s Terrence Ali National Open Championships, scheduled for November 16-18 at the National Gymnasium.

The event will see boxers from the following gyms: Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Republican, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Harpy Eagles, Vergenoegen Rose Hall Jammers, Carryl and Young Achievers vying for championship honours in a quest to be selected to represent Guyana at the Caribbean championship which will be held here in Guyana next month.

It is expected that GDF, the defending champion gym, will field a large contingent of experienced fighters who did both the Army and Guyana proud over the years, winning gold and silver medals locally and regionally.
This year will see the inclusion of Quiny Boyce, Clifton Clarke, Royden Grant, Ashton Niles and Ronaldo Niles among others being included in the soldiers’ contingent.

All the above-named boxers won their respective weight divisions at the just-concluded National Intermediate Championship and are now graduates for the National Open level.
Boyce was adjudged Best Boxer at the National Intermediate tourney, having won all three of his fights during the championship via TKO.
With this in mind, the other gyms named above will have their work cut out to overcome the soldiers’ onslaught.

According to GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, exciting and entertaining boxing is anticipated as well as the largest representation by gyms, over the three nights.
Ninvalle said while he is anticipating a large turnout of boxers and supporters, he is hoping that corporate Guyana will lend support, because without sponsorship, there might not be as grand a tournament as is planned.

Ninvalle also stressed the need for even more corporate support for the Caribbean Championship, as this venture is more costly than staging national championships.
According to the AIBA Executive Committee member, this year’s Caribbean championships is expected to see boxers from the English-, Dutch- and French-speaking countries and islands sending representative teams to Guyana, come December 6.

According to the GBA head, teams are expected from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, St Marten, Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Suriname, Dominica, Cayman Islands and US Virgin Islands.
This will be the second time in four years that Guyana will be hosting the Caribbean championships which will see over 70 boxers and officials arrive in Guyana. This, according to Ninvalle, is good for sports tourism.