National middleweight champion Dennis `Menace’ Thomas and light heavyweight boss Desmond Amsterdam have been selected to represent Guyana at the Olympic Qualifiers set for Buenos Aries, Argentina next month.

The two are expected to travel to the Spanish speaking South American country to attempt to break a 20-year jinx. However, their participation at the important competition is dependent on if the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association can secure $M1.3G needed for the team’s airfare, accommodation and meals.
The Qualifiers are scheduled to be held from March 8 to 20 in the Argentine capital. President of the GABA Steve Ninvalle said yesterday that his organisation was on the ropes financially following the 13-nation Caribbean Development Tournament held here last November.
He noted that at present one airline ticket to Argentina cost over two hundred thousand dollars and that letters requesting assistance have been sent off to potential sponsors including the National Sports Commission(NSC).
Thomas is a policeman by profession and is one of the most experienced amateur fighters in the country. He has won the National middleweight champion title three years in a row. He was voted GABA Best Boxer in 2014
The 23-year-old Amsterdam hails from the Guyana Defence Force and is yet to be defeated in 15 fights. He secured a gold medal at the Caribbean Development Tournament. GABA has also named the country’s two Three Star coaches Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake to accompany the boxers.
The team is expected to leave Guyana on March 6. John Douglas remains the last boxer to represent Guyana at the Olympics. Douglas participated at the 1996 Atlanta Games.