GBA Targeting Linden for Boxing Revival

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is gearing up to revive the sport of boxing in the Mining Town of Linden.

This is according to the GBA’s President, Steve Ninvalle via a press release, “boxing has long been a cornerstone of sports in Guyana, and Linden has made its share of contributions. We can’t continue to speak of development if we have a community like Linden not involved in the national development of the sport,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA will unleash a robust and structured plan for the revival of boxing in Linden, starting with the involvement of key stakeholders while working closely with former Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira who understands the landscape of Linden and its potential for producing talented amateur pugilists.

“Linden has given us champions before, and there is no reason why the community cannot once again become a stronghold for boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle highlighted.

The GBA president noted that Linden’s decline in the sport began after the passing of coach Dirk Alexander, who once operated the Young Lions Boxing Gym at Half Mile, Wismar. Alexander’s work helped shape the career of Cleavon Rock, one of Linden’s most celebrated amateur boxers.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle

In 2008, Rock made history when he secured Guyana’s first-ever medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games, a silver in Pune, India. That medal also stood as Guyana’s only podium finish at those Games for some time, until emulated by Keevin Allicock in 2017.

Guided by Alexander, Rock went on to enjoy a successful amateur career, giving Linden and Guyana international recognition in the sport.

However, with Alexander’s passing, the gym closed, leaving a major void. Attempts were made to fill the gap, with individuals like Orlon Rogers trying to resuscitate the sport locally, but those efforts fell short, according to the press release.

While Linden remains a priority, Ninvalle revealed that the GBA is also exploring opportunities on the East Coast of Demerara, with Buxton earmarked as a potential site for another gym.

“New Amsterdam has shown us what happens when we allow for consistent representation at the national level, how much talent can come to the front of development, which then helps us on the regional and international stage,” Ninvalle noted.\

Meanwhile, Ninvalle underscored that decentralizing the sport is critical if Guyana is to produce boxers capable of making an impact beyond its borders.

“Our vision is simple, which is to ensure that every major community has a chance to produce talent and contribute to Guyana’s national boxing programme. Linden is a priority, Buxton is on our radar, and we will continue to expand,” Ninvalle noted.

He explained that the GBA will roll out a number of programmes designed to spread opportunities across the country, ensuring that communities outside of Georgetown are not left behind.