Every fight will be like a title fight, Bristol advises young team

… Ninvalle says grassroots system needed for preservation of the sport in Caribbean

By Clifton Ross
NEWLY appointed manager of the National Youth Boxing team, Seon Bristol, is planning to get the most out of his fighters during the encampment period, by ensuring his fighters know what’s at stake, as they prepare for the upcoming, annual Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors boxing tournament, set for August 26-28.

With Guyana hosting what could arguably be one of the most anticipated events at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), following the competition taking a forced break due to COVID-19, Bristol, during his interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday said he expects great competition from his team.

Bristol will have in his ranks a squad of 18 boxers, originally shortlisted from a core group of 30, along with some six coaches, including the veteran national boxing coach Terrence Poole. The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) secretary/treasurer further stated that the tournament is crucial for the development of attitudes in young men.

“Our main thing is the team concept. Reinforcing team concepts with trainers and fighters alike includes the idea of being organised and working together as one unit.
This includes our encampment, boxing etiquette, while allowing boxers to coordinate with other fighters. It’s always a struggle to ensure young men are disciplined persons and more so ensuring they want to be here, while doing the things a fighter is expected to do in and out of the ring,” Bristol added.

Guyana are the defending champions, and according to the manager, the approach to retaining their title lies not only in the in-ring skills of fighters, but it comes courtesy of the attitude being instilled in every fighter, who represents Guyana.

“Even if you never fought for a title or you did, then now is time to prove it because we want to instil that every fight is like a title fight. With the assistance and the coaching, we’re reinforcing attitudes such as staying well-groomed, making sure head and other body guards are worn at all times etc.” Bristol said as he outlined a few areas of target during the encampment phase.

Guyana will square off against the likes of Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia and The Bahamas as part of their title defence and Bristol believes that his team will be ready for the battle, adding that the first step was to ensure all members of his contingent returned negative COVID-19 results, prior to entering camp.

“This tournament is one that is considered to be exciting as regards to the return of boxing. One of the most pleasant things that we managed to overcome was everyone in our team testing negative,” adding that all incoming overseas fighters will also need a negative test ahead of the competition.

Wrapping up his interview, the seasoned boxing administrator profusely thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) for throwing their undying support behind the development of boxing and the future core of fighters.

“We are in camp right now because of the funding we have received so far, which has allowed us to focus on our training and preparation for the tournament, rather than worry about things outside of the ring., Bristol ended.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment president t of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said that there is no other tournament like this for nursery boxing across the region. Ninvalle further added that the Caribbean is in desperate need for a strong grassroots system which will further play a crucial supporting role alongside the seniors.
Ninvalle pointed out that the competition helps to identify and hone the skills of the next generation of Caribbean boxers. He noted that the lack of more overseas support was an indictment on behalf of those responsible, adding that it is absolutely important to have a grassroots nursery system in place.
Ninvalle, however, applauded those who saw it fit to produce a team for the tournament, citing the local team’s preparation which commenced in January.