HE was cheered from the time he came through the doors of the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, met by jubilant fans, friends and family, who all turned up to usher the recently-crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight ‘Gold’ Champion, Lennox ‘Too Sharp’ Allen.

Allen returned to Guyana yesterday after securing a unanimous decision win over Derrick Webster when the two fighters met for a 10-round encounter at the Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota, USA on Friday 15.

“This is our champion!” a section of the crowd chanted, while some were anxious to take photos with the 33-year-old Brooklyn-based Guyanese fighter.

“I’m speechless!” Allen stated, “But honestly, thank you guys for the love,” Allen told the gathering before he departed the Airport, bound for Georgetown where a reception was being held in his honour at City Hall.

However, Allen was further taken back when scores of school children lined the roadways, some holding placards with his name, others with the slogans “Our World Champ”, while some stated “Lennox Allen, we are proud of you!”

He stopped at every school whose students came out on the East Bank of Demerara, had a photo opportunity and signed some autographs.

Allen, who will be the Government of Guyana’s guest of honour at the Flag Raising Ceremony tonight at Durban Park, arrived at City Hall where he was met by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Mayor Ubraj Narine; Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore; president of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Peter Abdool and other officials.

“This is what we want to see from our young people, we are very proud of you and I want to congratulate you on behalf of the Mayor’s Office,” Ubraj said.

Jones called Allen a “beacon of hope for young boxers and other young people in Guyana to emulate,” with the Director of Sport stating that the Government of Guyana will honour Allen fittingly.

“Next time I come home, I want to return home with the WBC, WBA and the IBF titles,” Allen said after the officials had finished exchanging pleasantries.