THE Steve Ninvalle-steward Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will this weekend host the third and final Under-16 boxing tournament for this year, thanks to the kind patronage of Demerara Distillers Limited’s Pepsi/Gatorade brand at the Andrew ‘SixHead’ Lewis gym in Albouystown.In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Ninvalle said eight gyms will be vying for supremacy over the two days of action in Albouystown, listing among them, Linden, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Harpy Eagles, Rose Hall Jammers and Bartica who had a successful debut in the last Under-16 championships held at the same venue last month.

“We intend to keep the health and well being of the boxers paramount and I wish to say that we will be looking into the safety of our boxers, officials and patrons who turn out to give their support at these upcoming championships this weekend.
“On the same note, I would like to go on record as saying that the GBA for the past four months has had an upsurge with the organising of various championships, such as Intermediate, Novices, Open, and now this second Under-16 Championships and this speaks volumes,” said Ninvalle.
Stephon Green, Joel Williamson and Travis Fraser, who all participated in this year’s South American Games in Peru last September, are all products of the GBA/DDL initiative.
Meanwhile, Ninvalle said that for the first time in approximately seven years the GBA will be honouring boxers and officials for their creditable performances throughout the year, using the upper flat of the venue for this weekend’s tournament.
“It is only fitting that we honour those who have brought glory to the nation throughout the year, through the sport of amateur boxing and at 14:30hrs on Sunday that will be done,” said a proud Ninvalle.
Among those expected to receive accolades are: Green, Williamson and Fraser for their performances at the South American Games, along with national coach Wincell Thomas and the GBA’s Technical Development Officer, Terrence Poole.
Written By Calvin Roberts