Mahdia pugilists enjoy mild success as GBA ‘Nuff Cuff’ initiative gains traction

May 27, 2014 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
Boxers out of the Mahdia Boxing Gym (MBG) endorsed the belief of local amateur boxing officials of untapped talent in the rural and interior communities when two pugilists out of that institution secured victories over their Georgetown counterparts when the curtains came down on one night of fistic fury at Vidya’s Courtyard, Mahdia, Saturday evening last.

Best boxer,
Stefan Smith

Notwithstanding these victories, the Georgetown crew dominated their opponents and thrilled a crowd of eager, screaming fans despite earlier showers that left the ring damp and forced a late start.
Representing the Mahdia Boxing Gym (MBG), Kurt Bobb unleashed a two fisted attack on Shane Skeete of the Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym (HEBG) and walked away with the spoils in the 115-119 lbs division while his gym mate, Shakeem Matterson, was gifted a walk over from Akeem Mounter of the Essequibo Boxing Gym (EBG).
Tefon Green (HEBG) also stamped his authority when he forced the referee to stop his 120-124lbs bout against Travis Caesar in 1:46secs of the first round. Green rushed out at the sound of the bell and a one two combination pushed Caesar on the back foot.
Green advanced while Caesar attempted to weather the storm with highly held guards. It turned out that his two hands were insufficient and after Green had unleashed a vicious right cross, Caesar braced the neutral corner, unable to stop the onslaught forcing the referee to mercifully call a halt to the one sided affair.
Akeem Mounter (EBG) started the night on a winning note for his gym when he defeated Cornell Wilson (MBG). The MBG representative started the fight at a fast pace but it was clear that he lacked the technicalities of the sport; his punches were wayward and lacked the requisite timings resulting in most of them falling short of the mark or missing altogether.
What he lacked in skill, the MBG representative made up in courage and enthusiasm. He attacked but his opponent was the more experienced and countered with several mean punches that pushed Wilson backwards.
Despite, his greenhorn status and despite being on the receiving end of several wicked clouts, Wilson demonstrated courage when he refused to quit. There were times when he appeared to be done but suddenly found the courage and stamina to continue. As such, what appeared to be an easy fight for Mounter, turned out to be a tough encounter though he eventually earned the judges’ nod.
The gruelling encounter took its toll on Mounter who was to have returned for a second fight later on the programme. Instead, he was advised by the ringside nurse against the second bout after he complained that he had hurt his hand in the Wilson shindig.
Stefan Smith of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) turned in a special display to outpoint his MBG opponent, Brendon Lashley to win the 160-170lbs division. Much was expected of Lashley; as a matter of fact, he was touted to be the best out of the community. He never had the opportunity to showcase his wares as Smith waded into him from the onset and had him in all kinds of trouble. The FYF representative eventually managed to influence the referee who wisely called a halt to the contest at 1:46secs of the third round. Smith was eventually adjudged best boxer of the tournament.
There were several bouts between members of the MBG and those were also entertaining. All of these bouts occurred in the 70-74lbs category; Junior Vieira (MBG) defeated his gym mate, Milton Edwards on points while Dequain Williams (MBG) emulated Vieira’s feat over Colin Gray. Chris Sampson and Wentworth Alfred then outpointed Damion Rodriguez and Jahiem DeSantos respectively.
Deshon Allicock (EBG) then defeated Johnnick LaRose (FYF) in the 105-109lbs category just before Dewani Lampkin (FYF) snatched a 2-1 verdict from Javaad Richards in the (Youth) segment of the tournament. Shaquille Wright (EBG)

The boxers from the city join with their counterparts out of mahdia shortly after the conclusion of the card.

carted off the honours in the 90-94lbs division after outpointing Shemar Bumbury while his sibling and gym mate, Shaquancy, engaged Leon Moore (MBG) in an exhibition bout in the 55-59lbs category.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, braved the treacherous terrain to assess the quality of competition in Mahdia. Mr. Ninvalle said that he was pleased with the efforts of his executives who collaborated with Mark Young to make the card a reality. He labelled the occasion as historic and promised the Mahdia residents that the card will not be an isolated one.
“The longest journey starts with the first step and I could assure you that tonight’s card is the first of many to come,” pronounced Mr. Ninvalle. He said that his greatest desire is to see pugilists out of the Region 8 community develop to the point where representatives could travel to Georgetown to participate in GBA organized tournaments. He beseeched the spectators and boxers alike to be disciplined to facilitate an incident free programme. “It’s not necessarily whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game that matters,” Ninvalle assured the boxers.
The card dubbed, ‘Independence Boxing Showdown’ was staged at Vidya’s Courtyard, Mahdia and the organizers are indeed grateful for the support rendered by the owners. They also expressed gratitude to businessman Roger hinds who selflessly donated funds and other resources towards the success of the venture.
Minister of the Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, who also came in for commendations for supporting the card while Cell Phone Shack, donated one cell phone for the most promising boxer on show, and Trophy Stall, for the input of trophies and medals.
The ‘Nuff Cuff’ initiative next ventures into Buxton ECD this weekend and two boxers out of St Lucia are expected to be a part of the action.