Andrew Lewis Gym dominates GBA Development Tournament

Young boxers coming out of the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym.

The Andrew “Six-Head” Lewis Boxing Gym emerged as the top-performing club when the curtains came down on the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Development Tournament at the National Gymnasium on Saturday, capping off a successful day of competition that showcased the depth of talent rising through Guyana’s amateur boxing ranks.

Adding to the gym’s impressive showing, standout youngster Lennox Lawrence was named Best Boxer of the tournament, while veteran trainer Lennox Daniels received the Best Coach award.

The New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA) finished as the second-best gym overall after producing several noteworthy performances throughout the programme.

The tournament featured 17 competitive bouts and three exhibition contests, bringing together fighters from the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, Pace and Power Boxing Gym, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ), and the Guyana Police Force.

From the opening bell, the event highlighted the promising future of local boxing, with young athletes displaying discipline, technical skill, and a willingness to engage in spirited competition.

The action got underway in the Under-13 division where Harpy Eagles boxer Nathan Sugrim outscored teammate Omar Moses in the 27-30kg category. Abu Barker followed with an eye-catching performance, forcing a second-round stoppage against Trevon Brant in the 23-26kg class.

Another all-Harpy Eagles clash saw Delon Andrews get the better of Omar Barker on points, while Andrew Lewis Gym’s Imhotep Vanderstoop delivered a composed display to overcome Tyrese De Rer of Pace and Power. New Amsterdam’s Ukesh Persaud also impressed, earning a points verdict over Josiah Graham.

Competition intensified in the Under-15 category. Junior Madray of the Andrew Lewis Gym produced a polished performance to defeat Marcus Vanderstoop of Harpy Eagles, while Josh Chester delivered one of the quickest results of the day, halting Travalta Harris in the opening round of their contest.

The Under-17 division featured several entertaining battles. Ryan Rogers of Forgotten Youth Foundation edged Cort Mahase of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy by split decision after a closely fought encounter.

However, it was Andrew Lewis Gym’s Lennox Lawrence who produced one of the standout performances of the tournament.

Lawrence overwhelmed Derick Springer of Pace and Power, forcing a stoppage in the second round and demonstrating the skill and ring generalship that ultimately earned him the tournament’s Best Boxer accolade.

The lone Under-18 bout ended with Itavius Vanderstoop of the Andrew Lewis Gym being declared the winner after Ishmeal Ramsaroop was unable to continue.

In addition to the competitive contests, three exhibition bouts gave developing boxers an opportunity to gain valuable ring experience.

Teddy Darlington faced Arjun Behari, while sisters Janya Ross and Makaya Ross squared off in an entertaining female exhibition contest. Another female exhibition encounter featured Akela Massay and Kenisha Klass, both of whom displayed encouraging potential.

The Under-19 category produced some of the day’s most intense action.

Amol Moses of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy was awarded victory after Nathan Christopher was disqualified, while Izzla Vanderstoop recorded a first-round stoppage against Hotham Vancooten.

Andrew Lewis Gym continued its strong run when Ken Harvey outboxed Curtis McDonald over the distance, showcasing sharp movement and effective punching combinations. NABA’s Jofes Jackson also turned in a solid performance to defeat Lekiem Amores on points.

An all-Pace and Power showdown between Akeeme Ross and Keyon Medas entertained spectators, with Ross getting the judges’ nod following an energetic contest.

The final two bouts of the tournament came in the Under-20 division. Patrick Harvey of Forgotten Youth Foundation produced a disciplined performance to defeat Terron Wintz of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy on points, while Simeon Hamer ensured the Andrew Lewis Gym finished the event on a high note by outpointing Guyana Police Force boxer Osais Prince.

According to the GBA, the tournament once again underscored the importance of developmental boxing in Guyana.

For the Andrew “Six-Head” Lewis Boxing Gym, the tournament proved particularly rewarding. Finishing as the top gym, producing the Best Boxer in Lennox Lawrence, and seeing Lennox Daniels recognised as Best Coach highlighted the programme’s continued commitment to developing elite talent.

As the GBA continues its developmental efforts, the performances witnessed at the National Gymnasium offered further evidence that the sport remains in good hands, with a new generation of fighters eager to make their mark on Guyana’s rich boxing tradition.