Young boxers make big statements at GBA U-16 developmental tournament

Guyana’s emerging boxing talent was on full display on Saturday when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) staged the Michael Parris Pepsi Under-16 Developmental Tournament at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym and the Pace and Power Gym in Albouystown.

The event brought together young prospects and rising amateurs from several gyms, reinforcing the GBA’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the local boxing pipeline.

Nine bouts highlighted the programme, with a mix of stoppages and closely contested decisions underscoring both the raw power and growing technical ability of the country’s next generation of boxers.

The card opened with an all-Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym clash between Nathan Sugrim and Richard Da Silva.

Sugrim wasted little time asserting himself, forcing the referee to stop the contest in the opening round to claim an emphatic victory.

That early statement set the tone for an action-packed night. In Bout Two, Omar Barker picked up a similar win over gym mate Emmanuel Nelson.

Kelon Mullin and Donevan Choy, both from Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, then went the distance in Bout Three, with Mullin winning on points after a competitive exchange.

Another points decision followed in Bout Four, where Imhotet Vanderstoop (Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym) edged Dellon Andrews (Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym) with a disciplined performance built on clean scoring shots.

The Pace and Power Gym celebrated a hard-fought win in Bout Five as Ishmeal Ramsaroop defeated Trovalta Harris of Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym on points.

One of the standout performances came in bout Six, where Andrew Lewis Gym’s Josh Chester secured a points victory over Derick Springer of Pace and Power Gym.

Chester’s poise and ring intelligence later earned him the tournament’s Best Boxer award in the Under-16 category, marking him as one to watch for the future.

The Vanderstoop name featured prominently again in Bout Seven, with Itavius Vanderstoop of Andrew Lewis Gym stopping Kelon Pierre (Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym) in the first round after a dominant display.

Meanwhile, one of the country’s top youth boxers, Ken Harvey, was declared the winner in his contest after Izza Vanderstoop was unable to continue following the first round, resulting in a win by abandonment.

The final bout of the night saw Antwain Venture and Emmanuel Sandiford, both from Pace and Power Gym, deliver a closely fought contest.

Venture emerged victorious on a split points decision (2-1), capping the evening with one of the most competitive match-ups on the card.

Kevin Issacs, from the Guyana Police Force Boxing Gym, was named Best Boxer in the Elite category, a recognition of his continued excellence and leadership among the senior ranks.