GDF Lance Corporal and Policeman head to Olympics qualifiers

GDF Lance Corporal and Policeman head to Olympics qualifiers

Lance Corporal Desmond Cort Amsterdam, is one of two Guyanese boxers who has been selected to participate in the 2016 AMBC Olympic Qualifiers, slated for March 9-20 in Argentina. Amsterdam, a Light Heavyweight contender, along with Middleweight Dennis Thomas of the Guyana Police Force, are due to wing out on Tuesday, March 8.

Amsterdam has been boxing since the tender age of six and is proud to be representing Guyana at these qualifiers. “I am proud to have been selected and I am going with the intention to qualify!” he says. In his weight division, he has an amateur record of 17 wins, with three being by knockout. The young pugilist’s last major exposure was at the recently concluded Goodwill Games which Guyana hosted. At that event, he bested opponents from Jamaica and St Lucia, to clinch the Champion Title in his category. Once Amsterdam and Thomas qualify, they will be representing Guyana at the Olympics.

GDF Boxing Coach Terrence Poole says that Amsterdam’s prospects are good. “He has trained consistently and hard, and fights well. The fact that he has made selection, means that we are certain of his ability to deliver himself with his usual grit and confidence, and win the bouts which he’ll have to fight,” he says.

Amsterdam credits his success as a boxer to his experience, training, discipline and determination. “I train hard. When in training, I am focused on developing and enhancing my strength and techniques. My focus will be sharpened during the qualifiers as my goal is to be on the team that represents Guyana,’ he says.

According to Poole, Amsterdam may be involved in as many as five bouts in order to secure the victory that places him firmly on the team. “The number of bouts will be dependent on the number of entries in each weight division,” he says. “Only the top two or three in each weight division will go through to the Olympics. Poole recalled that Guyana’s most recent qualification at this level occurred in 1996, with John Douglas of the Guyana Police Force, while Bert Braithwaithe was the last GDF boxer to have represented the GDF and Guyana at an Olympic Qualifier.

Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mark Phillips, along with all the other Officers and Ranks of the Force extend best wishes to both Amsterdam and Thomas. (GDF/PR)

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