The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) would be aiming for revenge when the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association annual National Novice competition punches off at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground on Saturday.GDF lost out to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) at the last Novice Competition staged at the same venue. The Republicans, as the boxers from prison are known, left the army licking wounds last

year thanks to the service of National Coach Wincell Thomas who had whipped his charges into shape.
The Boys from Camp and Durban Streets walked away with the Champion Gym trophy leaving GDF to play second fiddle. This year’s competition will see the return of the Pocket Rocket Gym which has been relocated to Linden.
GABA Technical Director Terrence Poole declared yesterday that nine gyms are shortlisted to compete. The Gyms are: Essequibo Boxing Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Guyana Defence Force, Police, Harpy Eagles, New Opportunity Corp, Rose Hall Jammers, Republicans and Young Achievers.
Last year the New Opportunity Corp (NOC) made a return to competitive boxing after an absence of over five years. Poole assured that the Gym would be participating again this year. He noted that GABA president held discussions with Brian King, Assistant Director of Youth in the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The Novice competition would be held under floodlights and concludes on Sunday.