XX Commonwealth Games - I’m only going to get better – Andrique Allisop |04 August 2014

Despite not winning a medal at the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, former Sportsman of the Year and arguably Seychelles’ top boxer at the moment Andrique Allisop has much to be proud of his performance at the games.

Andrique lost his second bout at the games on points to semi-professional boxer Cobia Breedy of Barbados and he believes he did his best in the fight.
“My second opponent was a semi-pro which means he is far more experienced than me, but I feel that I gave my best despite losing,” said Allisop.

He added: “In all, I am satisfied with my performance throughout the competition although I did not reach as far as I wanted.”

Allisop came into the Commonwealth Games on the back of impressive performances overseas, winning the 60kg category gold medal at the International Limassol Boxing Cup in Cyprus and later achieving the same feat at the fifth Africa Cup held in East London, South Africa from June 16-21.

His performances did not go unnoticed though as here in Glasgow people already knew about the “Seychelles top boxer” and even after his fights he has received words of praise and encouragement. Surely they can only help to boost the young man’s confidence.

“Yes, it feels great to be recognised for my talent and I hope to keep on getting better,” said the 21-year-old.

Speaking of the facilities here in Glasgow, Allisop said: “The facilities here are great, we have been able to train well and despite the cold weather, we still manage to get good workouts every day.”

Allisop was not the only Seychellois boxer at the games. Keddy Agnes was also there but had to fight in a heavier weight class as he had put on a bit of extra weight ahead of the games.

“We tried to help Keddy out before we got here as he needed to get his weight down to compete in his usual heavyweight category, but we couldn’t, meaning he had to fight in the super-heavyweight class,” explained Allisop.
The two boxers were accompanied by coach Rival Payet.

Allisop believes though that to keep moving forward he needs to have more training and to be better prepared for such tournaments. He did state though that he is aiming to keep on getting better and hopefully one day win a gold medal for Seychelles at high level competitions such as the Commonwealth Games.

Sedrick Nicette in Glasgow