SEVERAL Caribbean countries have already indicated their participation in the 2026 Winfield Brathwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships.
This is according to President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle.
The event is set for August 20–22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and according to Ninvalle, the GBA has garnered interest from several nations to date.
“We expect to have at least 10 countries participating here; usually, Trinidad gives us our stiffest competition, but Curacao has signalled its intention to participate. Curacao, I think it will also bring competition that will lift the standard of the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament.”
Ninvalle noted that the GBA has been working closely with its coaches, referees, and officials to ensure smooth preparation for hosting the event.
He says that some regional changes in attitude will see a few more powerhouse boxing nations returning to the competition.
“We expect Jamaica to be making a return after being absent for some years. I think Barbados’ absence was mainly due to the fact that there was a division in boxing in the Caribbean, with persons siding with World Boxing and others siding with the International Boxing Association.”
The Caribbean event, first staged in Guyana in 2016, has served as a nursery for regional and local talent, producing the likes of Keevin Allicock and Abiola Jackman, as well as many other fighters who have gone on to compete at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
This year, one of the new fighters representing Guyana will be England-based Bradley Khan as the country looks to defend its regional title.