GUYANESE boxing treasurer Cliff Anderson lost a close eight-round decision to Tony Lombard on March 22, 1949. The fight was held in the Royal Albert Hall in London, England and was the fifth that year for the Guyanese featherweight. Anderson was born Clifford Matthew Anderson on October 22, 1921 and started his professional career 18 years later. He would have his first seven fights at home before switching to the United Kingdom.
On November 3, 1947, was disqualified in round seven of a scheduled 10-round fight against Englishman Hat Bagwell. Anderson was found guilty on not “trying” during the contest, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The scandal following this fight led to the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC), Southern Area Council holding a meeting on November 17, 1947.
After sifting through evidence presented by Anderson and his manager and the promoter, it was decided that the Guyanese fighter be suspended from all boxing for a period of three months.
His £500 purse was also withheld and donated to the BBBC Benevolent Fund. Anderson’s manager John Harding was also fined the sum of £100.
The talented and ferocious featherweight hung up gloves in 1953 with a record 87 fights, 48 of which were victories and 11 draws.
Anderson passed away in 1998 and the National Sports Hall was renamed the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in honour of his achievements.