THE recently concluded National Open boxing tournament, organised by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association is being hailed as a huge success by association’s Technical Director Terrence Poole. The National Open was held at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground (California Square) late last month and saw the emergence of several new champions.
“I am heartened by what I saw and I’ll have to give a Grade A pass mark to the executive of GABA for organising such a tournament. I would also have to give the same Grade for the standard of boxing produced by all the participating gyms. Holistically it is a job well done,” Poole declared.
The National Open was held over three days and was injected with international flavour as USA-based super heavyweight Quincy `Biggy’ Small travelled home to pick up a title. According to Poole, who doubles as the GABA Tournament Director, several new champions were crowned including welterweight Glendon Smith of the Essequibo Gym.
Smith was crowned triple champion following wins in the National Novices, National Intermediate and Open competitions. In addition, flyweight Kevin Allicock of the Republican Gym and light welterweight Quincy Harvey of GDF claimed their first Open titles. GDF snatched the Champion Gym title in a closely contested race with the Republicans.
Poole was loud in praise of Policeman Dennis Thomas who was adjudged Best Boxer. The middleweight retained his title and left no opponent standing during the three days. “It is obvious that Mr Thomas has learnt a lot from his many sojourns overseas. He was definitely a cut about the rest.”
The Technical Director claimed that the crowd response has been improving with every tournament held at California Square and that he would be recommending that GABA should stage more of its activities outdoors.
“I am personally happy with the kind of support that we have received in East Ruimveldt. I would be advising that we continue to host our boxing competitions outdoors and under floodlights.