Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 08, 2011 Sports
By Michael Benjamin
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool is calling on the business community to continue rendering support to the ProAm boxing initiative prior to the resumption of the programme. The GBBC boss made the call at his Avenue of the Republic office yesterday afternoon in the presence of the boxers slated to fight in the inaugural ProAm boxing card scheduled to get underway on January 28. The pugilists were there to sign their respective contracts for the fight.
Also at the function, local professional boxers were assured that the executive of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) has their best interest at heart. “You need to take a long, hard look at your respective careers, decide your plan of action and we will support those plans,” Mr. Abdool told the boxers. He further disclosed plans to host a commendation ceremony sometime next month where affiliates and other stakeholders would be tangibly rewarded for their commitment and dedication to the sport over the years.
The Boxing Board president also said that plans are in train to launch a website where biographical details of all of the active local boxers would be readily available to facilitate easy access by international promoters or matchmakers that may wish to procure such data for international engagements. “This initiative would open the doors for local fighters to procure international recognition and improve on their world standing,” assured the GBBC boss.
Meanwhile, the action in the ProAm boxing cards continues with eight of the country’s best professional boxers scheduled to don gloves against each other. Kurt Best will tackle Anthony Augustin in a bout in the heavyweight division while Veronica Blackman and Pauline London will go after each other, also in the heavyweight division. Winston Pompey, just back after a self imposed hiatus, will face Lindener Edmond DeClou in a highly anticipated super/middleweight slugfest while Mark Austin would resume his quest for honours when he comes up against Jermaine King in a welterweight bout.
Commenting on his expectations for this year Mr. Abdool said that he anticipates solid support from the corporate community to ensure that the programme stays alive. He said that a review of last year’s action uncovered many areas that need attention.
“There was a paucity of sponsors but we cannot be oblivious to the support rendered by many of the businesses to make the programme a success,” said Mr. Abdool. He was high in praise of several such organizations that defied the fluctuating economic climate and supported the venture.
Among them was furniture giants Courts, who provided hampers, and in some cases, gift vouchers for the amateur boxers that participated on the card. Ansa McAl, the beverage conglomerate also came in for high praise for their staunch support.
The same praise was also extended to the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, the executive of Sterling Products Ltd and Guyoil among others. Mr. Abdool is optimistic of continued support from these firms as well as others. “The ProAm is basically a non profit venture with an aim of providing worthwhile activity for local pugilists,” intimated Mr. Abdool. He further explained that despite the minimal support at the actual venue, the initiative has served its purpose. “We have promoted 10 cards and provided meaningful activity for our boxers that was not materializing in the past, said Mr. Abdool.
Relaying his expectations for the year, the GBBC President said that he would like to launch the ProAm initiative in the rural communities.
However, he noted the difficulties associated with the implementation of the idea. “The cost of implementing a rural programme will be very prohibitive and is only realistic with corporate intervention,” said Mr. Abdool.
He also praised Orland Rogers whose perseverance had been responsible for the inaugural ProAm boxing card in the Ancient County last year.
Mr. Abdool then made a pitch for improved support. “Local boxers have won many prestigious belts for Guyana as well as the bronze medal won by (Michael) Parris since 1980 yet the sport is still to receive the kind of support it so richly deserves,” noted Mr. Abdool. He remains optimistic of the requisite support this year.
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