Daniels urge gyms to be ready for intermediate championships

Terrence Poole (MS), Former Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association

Excitement is building for the Terrence Poole National Intermediate Championship, set to take place from October 25-27, and National Coach Lennox Daniels is calling on boxing gyms across Guyana to refine their skills through the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Developmental Programme.

Daniels emphasized that this tournament, held in honor of the late legendary coach Terrence Poole, will not be a stroll in the park. It promises to be a fierce showdown showcasing an abundance of talent.

Last weekend, the GBA’s Developmental Programme resumed at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, a venue that has already witnessed its fair share of electrifying bouts following a successful card the previous weekend.

According to Daniels, gyms from Berbice dominated the last event, claiming the majority of the 11 bouts, with the remainder going to the ‘Six Head’ Gym. He praised the dedication evident in the Ancient County, particularly in New Amsterdam and Rose Hall.

Lennox Daniels – Boxing Coach

“There’s an undeniable enthusiasm among the gyms, especially with the National Open and Intermediate tournament approaching,” Daniels remarked. “The boxers are eager to showcase their hard work, and honestly, we have a delightful challenge on our hands at the GBA; selecting a national team right now would be difficult because the talent pool is exceptionally deep.”

The upcoming championships will not only highlight Guyana’s finest fighters at these levels but will also serve as a heartfelt tribute to Terrence Poole, celebrated as one of Caribbean boxing’s greatest technical minds. As the GBA’s Technical Director, Poole was instrumental in shaping these championships into a proving ground for aspiring boxers.

In addition, the GBA has introduced the Terrence Poole Memorial Tournament, an international event that will pit Caribbean boxers against Guyana’s best. This card promises to honor Poole’s legacy, fostering competition, respect, and growth among regional fighters.

October 2 marked the one-year anniversary of Poole’s untimely passing at a medical facility in Georgetown, a loss that reverberated throughout Guyana’s sporting community and the Caribbean boxing fraternity. A decorated former member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Poole was awarded the Medal of Service (MS) for his invaluable contributions to sport and national development.

In 2014, he made history as Guyana’s first AIBA Three-Star Coach after completing an elite coaching course in Kazakhstan, achieving the highest level attainable for amateur coaches—a distinction later shared by Sebert Blake. The upcoming championships will undoubtedly honor Poole’s legacy and continue his commitment to developing boxing in Guyana.