FOLLOWING the conclusion of the America Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Forum on Monday in Havana, Cuba, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle disclosed that a four-year Caribbean Developmental Programme will be submitted to the International Boxing Association (IBA).

Ninvalle, who presented the pilot initiative on behalf of the region, confirmed that the proposed programme has importantly received the support of IBA President Umar Kremlev, who lauded the project and confirmed that the entity will provide the necessary resources for its implementation.

The upgrading of technical officers, specifically referees, judges, and coaches, was also discussed. Meanwhile, it was further revealed that the region, led by Trinidad and Tobago, will be undertaking a Caribbean Professional Series.

Ninvalle said, “The importance of the forum and resulting developments cannot be easily quantified and/or understated. What the region and specifically the Caribbean territories strive to accomplish as a collective, despite having their individual ambitions and objectives, is to create a competitive and professional ecosystem to develop the discipline, which in turn will reduce the skill gap that exists between this region and the traditional areas of power. In the simplest of terms, this programme is essential to the holistic advancement of the region.”

He further said, “This initiative will also serve in the evolution of our technical officers, who were discussed in detail in an effort to improve their ability and performance. Naturally better judges, referees, and coaches can only serve to the benefit of the sport. If we want to improve our sport and its overall quality and product, the advancement of technical officers are required. That is the universal truth rooted in empirical evidence.”