Guyana’s first world boxing champion throws his last punch … the beloved Andrew Six Head’ Lewis killed in road accident
Flashback! The last time Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis stepped into a ring was against Howard Eastman.
Flashback! The last time Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis stepped into a ring was against Howard Eastman.

AROUND lunchtime yesterday, Guyana and the boxing fraternity went into deep mourning after Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, the country’s first World Champion, was killed in an accident on the East Bank Highway, in the vicinity of Covent Garden. The 44-year-old Lewis, according to reports, was riding his bicycle, heading to a popular ‘coconut’ spot near his home – somewhere he visits daily- when he was struck from behind by a motor car.
Information gathered by Chronicle Sport, states that the driver is in Police custody assisting with investigations and there are no confirmed reports that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any substance.
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 says and Lewis can safely say that he was among the chosen few.
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is known as the place where magical things happen and contrary to what they say, when it comes to boxing, what happens in Vegas don’t usually stay in Vegas.
On February 17, 2001, Guyana’s Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis fought American James Page at the world-famous venue, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight title.
How big was the fight? Well, whenever legendary Don King puts two fighters in the ring for a Main Event, know that the fight is humongous.
Known as the ‘Mighty Quinn’, Page defeated Andrei Pestriaev in 1998 to capture the vacant WBA welterweight title and defended it three times until he was stripped in 2000, for failing to turn up for a mandatory title defence.
‘Six Head’ Lewis at the time was the number one welterweight contender in the WBA rankings and was undefeated in 20 professional fights, knocking out 18 of his opponents.
The Albouystown resident was hunting an achievement that would make him a legend if accomplished. He became his country’s Champion, after Patrick Ford and Lennox Blackmore.
In fact, according to the history books, the now deceased Ford, in 1980, suffered a close split decision loss to Salvadore Sanchez, while Blackmore on June 27, 1981 conceded a third-round knockout to Aaron Pryor.
With an entire nation behind him, Lewis went on to win via TKO against Page in 7th of their 12-round contest.
The boy from Albouystown turned ‘Pro’ in 1993, first stepping into the ring against Fitzroy Davidson. Eight years later he sat on top of the world, immortalised by Guyanese home and abroad.
Lewis’ return to Guyana was widely heralded and the politicians and other important persons tumbled over to do his bidding.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo immediately declared a public holiday while the gifts, which included a house and duty-free concessions for motor vehicles among others, were doled out indiscriminately.
A gym was also built and named in his honour.
Lewis’ next fight, a defence against Larry Marks, was not as incisive as his world title win but nevertheless, the pundits were satisfied that he exited the ring with his crown firmly on his head.
His second defence against the much heralded Nicaraguan, Ricardo Mayorga, ended in a no-contest after a clash of heads early in the bout.
Shortly afterwards, Lewis’ world began to fall apart.
A purported statement uttered after his return to Guyana was the subject of much acrimony and resulted in many of his fans rethinking their level of support.
The Mayorga no-contest also cast a pall over Lewis’ ability to match skills with the big boys like Shane Moseley and Vernon Forrest among others. The situation became dicey after the Lewis/Don King union experienced turmoil after which King chose to support Mayorga even as he (King) hurled disparaging remarks at Lewis.
Unknowingly, the writing was on the wall for Lewis who surrendered his title after suffering a humiliating defeat to Mayorga – a second-round TKO.
Several attempts to climb back to the top failed dismally after Lewis was also knocked out by Antonio Margarito for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight title.
His subsequent return to the local ring saw him suffer defeats to Denny Dalton, but while the former world champion managed to avenge the Dalton defeat, he disappeared into oblivion after losing to Howard Eastman in 2008.
That was the last time Guyana and the rest of the world got to see the man that brought the country more recognition that any athlete can imagine.
After Lewis, Guyana recognised Vivian Harris, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, Gwendolyn O’Neil and Shondell Alfred.

By Rawle Toney

 

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