Police and GDF at forefront as boxers selected for Olympic Qualifier

Feb 07, 2016 Sports 0

The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has turned to the military for assistance in breaking Guyana’s

Dennis Thomas

20-year Olympic jinx. GABA last week named Policeman Dennis ‘Menace’ Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam from the Guyana Defence Force as the two boxers selected to represent this country at the Olympic Qualifiers set for Argentina next month.
National middleweight champion Thomas and light heavyweight Amsterdam are scheduled to travel to the Spanish speaking South American nation and it is hoped that they acquire the necessary funding to make the journey.  The Association is looking to secure $M1.3 to cover the team’s airfare, accommodation and meals for the March 8 to 20 event in Buenos Aries.
Thomas is one of the most experienced amateur fighters in the country, boasting an impressive record including winning the National middleweight title three years in a row and also voted GABA’s Best Boxer in 2014.
Amsterdam, a 23-year-old soldier, is undefeated in 15 fights. He secured a gold medal at the Caribbean Development Tournament.   The pair will be coached by the country’s most senior coaches, Three Star rated, Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake.
President of the GABA Steve Ninvalle stated that they are on the ropes financially following the 13-nation Caribbean Development Tournament held here last November.  He informed that one airline ticket to Argentina cost over two hundred thousand dollars and that letters requesting assistance have been sent off to potential sponsors including the National Sports Commission. He is hopeful of timely and positive responses to ensure the entire team travels to Argentina. The team is scheduled to leave on March 6.
John Douglas remains the last boxer to represent Guyana at the Olympics. Douglas participated at 1996 Atlanta Games.