By: Sueann Wickham
In the heart of Albouystown, where each day feels like a battle for many youths, emerged a fighter destined for greatness—Keevin Allicock. At just 24-years-old, this boxer has already marked a significant milestone for his country. He is the nation’s first boxer to qualify for the Olympics in almost three decades.
His story transcends the ropes of the boxing ring, weaving a fabric of triumph over adversity. His story also exemplifies the power of unwavering faith, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to family and community.
From the narrow streets of his challenging upbringing to the global stage of the Olympic Games, Allicock’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of belief in God, the enduring impact of a father’s dream, and the indomitable spirit of a true champion.
Join us as we step into the inspiring world of Keevin Allicock—a name etched not only in the annals of Guyana’s boxing history, but in the hearts of those who dare to dream against the odds.
A FAMILY LEGACY
A pivotal force in his life was his father, Leonard Allicock, who instilled the art of boxing, discipline and dreams. Allicock recalled, “His dream was always to see one of his kids go to the Olympic Games.” As such, the fighter within him was born from a desire to prove himself, not just to the world but to his father. “I wanted to prove to him that, you know, I’m the one who’s going to do it. You know, I will stay focused, and I will make you proud.”
In a family of 20 siblings, seven of which were boys, Allicock said he embraced boxing under the guidance of their father. However, being smaller in stature, he said he faced the challenge of proving himself even more. Motivated by his desire to fulfil his father’s dream of seeing one of his children at the Olympic Games, Allicock embarked on a journey that would mark 25 years since a Guyanese boxer qualified for the Olympics. The achievement, a milestone in itself, became a poignant tribute to his father’s aspirations.
“When I got the chance to compete, it marked 25 years since a boxer from Guyana qualified for the Olympic Games,” he said while noting the significance of this achievement is not lost on him.
A DIVINE GIFT
Allicock said he recognized early on that his boxing talent was a gift from God, a calling from within that demanded refined expression.
In moments of self-discovery, he recalled pleading with a higher power to instill within him, a keep sense of discipline that would keep him on the right path through life’s unpredictable challenges. 
His transformation from a struggling youth in Albouystown to an Olympian became a testimony to the faith, hard work, and the divine guidance Allicock sought.
“I said to him, help me, instill discipline in me, and if you push me to reach far, I will let the people know that you are God, and you’re the one that brought me this far,” the young boxer reflected.
HUMILITY & ROLE MODELS
Allicock said he drew inspiration from boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. He said beyond the ring, Pacquiao’s humility and dedication resonates with him, shaping not only his boxing style but also his approach to life. The value of staying grounded became a cornerstone as Allicock rose in prominence, guided by the biblical wisdom that humility precedes exaltation.
“To be a champion inside and outside the ring is such an honour and a blessing,” he declared. However, Allicock emphasized that being a champion isn’t just about winning inside the ring.
To him, being a champion extends beyond victories in the ring. He noted that it’s about embracing losses, learning life lessons, and relating to others’ struggles. “In order to become a champion, you have to be willing to lose big,” he noted.
He also shared that his experiences, both triumphant and heartbreaking, converged to create a narrative that transcends sports.
BIGGEST BLOW
During his interview, Allicock was keen to share that the passing of his father became a pivotal moment, propelling him to prove that even the heaviest blows can’t keep him down.
“The biggest blow I ever had in my life was when my dad passed away,” he shared. He recalled not only mourning that loss but also the fact that his father would not be around to see his accomplishments. But, instead of letting his grief prevail and possibly affect his performance, Allicock channelled this loss into motivation, determined to face any challenge life throws at him.
JOURNEY TO OLYMPICS
Allicock’s journey to the Olympic Games is not merely a personal triumph but also a testament to coach-athlete relationships. Training with coaches like James Walcott and Serbert Blake, his journey became intertwined with the guidance and support of key mentors.
While his first coach was his late father, he noted that Serbert Blake especially, became a crucial figure in his journey. The shared belief in achieving the impossible, from Commonwealth Games success to Olympic qualification, reinforced the idea that dreams, when coupled with hard work and dedication, can indeed become reality. He recalled him and Blake training hard but also developing a relationship that saw them both motivating each other.
“When we achieved the silver medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games, I was so excited. I put the medal on his neck and you know, he was so happy because it was a big achievement for me and him and because it was my first Commonwealth Games—my first big games as a youth and I achieved such a high medal.
“And when we qualified for the Olympics, he called me on the phone. And he was so excited. ‘I was like, hey, you know, I told you this before, God is going to help us and he did.’ So I think that’s, that’s one of the most beautiful memories I ever had,” the athlete recollected.
As he balances his career and personal life, Allicock’s unwavering dedication to boxing is evident. For him, boxing is not just a profession but a way of life. His commitment to family, prayer, and staying grounded despite the fame underscores the depth of his character.
Maintaining humility amidst fame is a core principle for Allicock. “He that humbles himself shall be exalted, and he that exalts himself shall be humble,” he quotes from the Bible. He said too that his approach is grounded in staying true to himself, irrespective of the attention that comes with success. “I try to humble myself and never let the fame and the hype get to my head,” he said.
COMMUNITY IMPACT & BALANCING LIFE
As a professional boxer, Allicock’s commitment to his community is palpable. The boxer said he recognizes the impact he has on the youth in Albouystown, with many looking up to him. Recognizing the challenges faced by the youth in Albouystown, he actively engages with the government to create job opportunities, offering an alternative to idle hands. “I always try to do different stuff in the community, working with the government to find jobs for the young people” he stated.
Balancing his life between boxing and family, Allicock’s commitment to representing Guyana remains unwavering. For him, boxing isn’t just a career; it’s a way of life that blends seamlessly with prayer, family, and a commitment to positive change.
The seamless integration of boxing into his life makes balancing personal and professional aspects seemingly effortless. “Boxing is my life,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the lack of partying and drinking makes the commitment more manageable. “Nothing excites me because I don’t drink. I don’t party, and that’s just it. So, it makes it more easy for me.”
Despite the intensity of his boxing career, Allicock said he values family above all. “Family is very important to me. I love my family. I love my relatives,” he said. His post-fight routine involves returning home to play with his daughter, spending time with his wife, and sharing moments with his extended family. This blend of dedication to both family and career forms the essence of his love for a balanced life.
In addition, he was pleased to share that representing Guyana on the global stage is a source of perpetual excitement for him. “Representing my country is such an honour. It’s a blessing. I want to do it for the rest of my life,” he expressed. He also extended gratitude to various figures contributing to his career, including the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Boxing Association, his coaches, and the government. “They all have contributed to my career,” he acknowledged.
Overall, Allicock’s journey from Albouystown to the Olympic stage, filled with highs and lows, teaches us all, one critical lesson–true champions are those who not only conquer opponents in the ring but also overcome life’s most formidable challenges.
His story is indeed a beacon of hope, proving that with the right mindset, unwavering faith, and a fighting spirit, one can emerge victorious against all odds.
