Abiola Jackman and Desmond Amsterdam Lead the Charge for Guyana in Upcoming Caribbean Championships
Abiola Jackman is currently ranked 29th in the Women’s Heavyweight division, showcasing her prowess as one of the top boxers in Guyana. As the country gears up for the Caribbean Championships, scheduled from February 27 to March 3 in St. Lucia, several of Guyana’s elite athletes are making waves in the boxing world, thanks to the latest updates from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Guyana’s Boxing Elite Prepare for Championship
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is intensively preparing its fighters for this prestigious event, marking the long-awaited return of the Caribbean Championships after a hiatus since 2019. Alongside Jackman, Desmond Amsterdam also holds a prominent position, ranked 29th in the Light Heavyweight division. Amsterdam stands out as the highest-ranked Caribbean boxer in his category, known for his powerful punches and agile footwork. His impressive track record in both regional and international competitions has solidified his status as one of Guyana’s top amateur boxing prospects.
Rising Stars in the Ring
Both Amsterdam and Jackman have proven themselves formidable competitors in their respective divisions. Jackman is celebrated for her aggressive yet disciplined approach to boxing, effectively leveraging her reach and strength to dominate her opponents. Her achievements on the regional stage have established her as a leading figure in Caribbean boxing.
In addition to Amsterdam and Jackman, several other boxers from Guyana are making significant progress in the IBA world rankings. Alesha Jackman, Abiola’s younger sister, currently holds the 62nd position in the Light Welterweight division. Meanwhile, Olympian Keevin Allicock ranks 36th in the Featherweight division, closely trailing Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Joseph, who is ranked 35th. Jamal Eastman is positioned at 50th in the Lightweight division, demonstrating his competitive edge, and Colin Lewis rounds out the representation at 83rd in the Light Welterweight category.
Significance of IBA Rankings
The IBA world rankings are a crucial measure of excellence in amateur boxing, providing a pathway for athletes to access international competitions, funding opportunities, and potential professional careers. These rankings significantly enhance Guyana’s reputation as a boxing powerhouse in the Caribbean, helping to attract international partnerships and development programs.
Commitment to Supporting Local Talent
Steve Ninvalle, the President of the GBA, has expressed his pride in Guyana’s growing presence in the IBA rankings. He emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting local boxers and enhancing their standings on a global scale. “We are proud of what our boxers have achieved so far. This is just the beginning. The GBA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that more Guyanese fighters break into the world rankings and climb even higher,†Ninvalle stated.
Looking ahead, he has highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent to ensure that Guyana remains a competitive force in international boxing for years to come.
