THE GUYANA Amateur Boxing Association yesterday launched its National Open boxing competition with a promise that fans turning up at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground would not be disappointed.

The launching was held at the office of GABA president Steve Ninvalle and was attended by Technical Director Terrence Poole and USA-based super heavyweight Quincy `Biggy’ Small.
“You can expect a step up from action seen at the National Intermediate that was held in August. We have more seasoned contenders and there is much more at stake,” Ninvalle said.
The National Intermediate saw a series of closely fought battles resulting in several knockouts. The Guyana Defence Force failed miserably to hold off a surprise from Republican Gym and ended up having to release the Champion Gym title to the latter.
Tomorrow, over 50 fighters from eight gyms will be battling for honours when the competition punches off at 19:00hrs. “I view this as the premier event of our calendar. Anyone who is crowned champion would have the bragging rights,” Ninvalle added.
The National Open would run until Sunday under floodlights and according to Poole, all eight participating gyms have been a hive of activity over the past two weeks. “Boxers have been intensifying training and I am personally pleased to inform you that it is my belief that Guyana is in for three nights of top quality boxing,” said Poole.
Small, who arrived from the USA last Sunday, described being in Guyana as a dream come true, adding, “I am beyond words to describe how it feels to be home. I have not been here in over a decade. My goal is to win an Olympic medal and the road starts here. This is a dream come true.”
Small is expected to have a ding-dong tussle with Republican Jason `AK47’ Barker, who demolished Kenroy Evelyn at the last National Open.
“I wouldn’t underestimate any fighter from my country but I am here to do business. My business is to move what is in the way of my getting to the Olympic and winning a medal for my country.,” Small declared.
Meanwhile, Ninvalle disclosed that BK International, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, COURTS, Mike’s Pharmacy and Monty Profitt are the major sponsors of the event.