Guyana to host Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Championship in August

Guyana is set to once again take centre stage in regional amateur boxing when it hosts the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championship from August 20-22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The staging of the prestigious tournament represents another important chapter for the sport locally, as Guyana continues to serve as the home of the championship, having hosted it consistently since its inception.

The event was conceptualised and first staged in Guyana in 2016, and is named in honour of the country’s 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Winfield Braithwaite.

Over the years, the championship has proven to be a vital breeding ground for elite talent, producing standout fighters such as Olympian Keevin Allicock, as well as the dynamic sisters Abiola and Alesha Jackman.

The tournament, which remains a key fixture on Guyana’s boxing calendar, has also served as a stepping stone for numerous regional boxers who have progressed to compete at the Olympic Games and World Championships, underlining its importance on the international pathway.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, emphasised Guyana’s proud history in the competition, noting that the country has finished as overall champions almost every year since the tournament’s inception.

“Guyana has always taken this tournament seriously because it is our foundation,” Ninvalle stated.

“We’ve dominated consistently, and that speaks to the strength of our grassroots programme and our commitment to youth development.”

Ninvalle also highlighted the significance of hosting the championship annually, describing it as a major boost for amateur boxing both locally and across the region.

“Hosting this tournament in Guyana each year is massive for us. It allows our young boxers to compete in front of their supporters and gives the Caribbean another opportunity to experience Guyana’s passion for boxing,” he said.

He further underscored the GBA’s commitment to investing in the sport and creating opportunities for emerging talent.

“We are hosting because we believe in building boxing from the ground up. This tournament provides critical exposure for our young boxers and helps prepare them for the international stage. It’s an investment in the future of Guyanese boxing,” the GBA president added.

Adding an exciting dimension to Guyana’s line-up will be England-based prospect Bradley Khan, whose parents are Guyanese. Ninvalle pointed to his inclusion as part of a broader strategy to tap into diaspora talent.

“Bradley Khan is one of the top youth boxers in England, and having him represent Guyana is significant,” Ninvalle explained.

According to Ninvalle, the GBA is committed to inclusivity and identifying elite talent wherever it exists, adding that the diaspora is an important part of Association’s development strategy.

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