THE year 2014 was rewarding for the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) with the highlight being Guyana’s elevation to the Executive Committee of AIBA.

Reflecting on the last 12 months GBA president Steve Ninvalle stated that there was slow but steady development in the sport both inside and outside of the ring.
Ninvalle acknowledged that Guyana is a boxing force regionally but pointed out much more work will have to be done to secure medals at major international competitions. He explained that last year GBA was able to meet all its statutory commitments and this year the plan is to focus on preparation for the Olympics.
“We have seen measures of progress during the last 12 months and our aim is to capitalise on, and continue that growth in 2015. We are lucky to have very committed and dedicated personnel who go beyond the call of duty for the success of the sport,” declared Ninvalle.
The GBA boss informed that during 2014 the association created commissions for referee/judges that would oversee work in the two departments. The Commission, he claimed, brought structure and a semblance of order to the two branches of the sport.
In February, Guyana held the inaugural Goodwill Boxing Games, the brainchild of president of the Guyana Olympic Association K. Juman-Yassin.
Four countries participated in the competition with the host nation being crowned champions. Guyana won gold in all the divisions and local middleweights Dennis Thomas and Theresa London were adjudged Best Male and Best Female boxer respectively.
In November Guyana became the focal point of boxing in CARICOM when Ninvalle was elected to the Executive Committee AIBA. It was the first time that someone from the region was elected to serve on the body.
The GBA president believes that elevation to the Executive Committee is not only a plus for Guyana but the entire CARICOM and Latin America and plans to use his seat to further assist in the development of the sport.
Ninvalle added that Guyana saw growth in the areas of coaching as Sebert Blake was able to successfully complete an AIBA Three Star, and APB course in Cuba. Blake and Terrence Poole are the only Three Star coaches in Guyana and part of a handful in the English-speaking Caribbean.
GBA was also able to stage the DDL Under-16 competition during last year and plans are afoot to mould it into an international affair.