Abiola Jackman stepped into the ring Thursday night against Ecuador’s Daniela Espana and a partisan home crowd at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships. When the final bell rang, she became the first Guyanese boxer to win a gold medal at the prestigious tournament.
Competing in the Women’s 81kg final, Jackman asserted control from the outset. Four of the five judges awarded her the first round, with only Alexander Parra scoring in favour of Espana.
Undeterred, the Guyanese fighter continued to dominate in the subsequent rounds, using her superior technique and movement to outbox her opponent and seal a landmark win.
The AMBC Elite Championships, held annually, is one of the most respected events in amateur boxing across the Americas, often serving as a pathway to World Championships and Olympic qualification.
Jackman’s win not only etches her name in Guyana’s sporting history, but also signals the country’s growing presence on the international boxing stage.
Earlier this year, Guyanese boxers topped the medal table at the 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship, securing nine gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Abiola Jackman was named Best Female Boxer at that tournament, further cementing her status as one of the region’s rising stars.
Guyana sent a four-member youthful team to the AMBC Elite Championships, comprising Jackman, Alesha Jackman, Shakquain James and Ryan Rogers.
