…Blake pleased with fighters’ performance at Commonwealth Youth Games

KEEVIN Allicock, Guyana’s silver medallist at the just concluded Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, returned to Guyana and is setting his sights on 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan as the Caribbean’s top flyweight fighter.
Allicock was the lone Guyanese to pick up a medal at the games in Nassau, but now the 18-year-old fighter believes that it’s time to shift his attention to the next Olympic games, telling Chronicle Sport that his showing at the Commonwealth Youth Games added fuel to his drive to win Guyana’s second Olympic medal.
“My big aim is being at the Olympics for Guyana and bringing the gold home, so I was able to get a lot of experience at these games, so I know that when I get out there next time, I will be able to do better,” a smiling Allicock said.
Allicock’s coach Sebert Blake believes the fighter has what it takes to fulfil his dreams, but, it would take much funding and exposure for him (Allicock) to reach his goal.
Meanwhile, looking at his fight against Englishman James David in their flyweight (52kg) encounter, Allicock and even his coach believe that the Guyanese fighter was ‘robbed’ of the gold medal.

“The last fight I wasn’t comfortable with the decision because I know I didn’t deserve it; but what could I do? I have to live with the decision because I was able to win silver, so I’m thankful for that,” said Allicock.
He added, “I think the fight was very close. The decision that they gave me showed that the guy won all the rounds and I was wondering how is that because the guy was nowhere on my level in boxing. Not boasting or anything, he was never there.”
“We trained for gold, and I was more focused on that. I was very confident in the final, I was strong and I was prepared. I’m a neutral guy, if I lose, I would say I did, but I think I won the final match,” the fighter added.
According to Blake, “Keevin won the crowd and yes I believe he was cheated and we observed that in the entire competition, the guys from Britain they were favoured in many bouts and not just against Guyana but other countries.”
“It wasn’t a fair decision, so the judges’ decision is final and now we have to move on and plan for other bouts,” said Blake.
Christopher Moore was the other Guyanese fighter vying for a podium finish at the Commonwealth Youth Games, but he fell short at the quarter-final stage of the tournament, nonetheless, Blake was proud of the fighter’s achievement, despite his missing the podium.
“The guys really worked hard and we were able to achieve about 50% that we’ve been working on. Other than the Youth Olympics which is next year, this is the second highest level of competition and I’m glad that they were able to do well,” Blake said.
The fighters and coach were greeted by officials from the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) who showered them with praise and encouraged the duo to stay focused on the task ahead; qualifying for the Olympic Games.