KNOWN as `The Hackney Rock’, Guyanese born Dennis Andries won the British light heavyweight title on January 26, 1984. Andries defeated Tom Collins by points in the fight held at the Lyceum Ballroom in London. Three months later Collins again had a try at the Guyanese. However, the result was the same. Although born in Guyana, Andries never had a professional bout in his homeland and fought under the flag of Great Britain.

He turned pro in 1978 and won the WBC title eight years later following a split decision victory over J. B. Williamson on April 30, 1986. Andries made one successful defence before matching gloves with Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns in March 1987.
Hearns took the crown when referee Isaac Herrera stopped the contest at one minute and 26 seconds of the 10th round. However, Andries bounced back and was again named WBC champion when he TKOed Tony Willis on February 21, 1989 to take the vacant title
Andries had his last fight on December 14, 1996 and left with a record of 49 victories (30 Kos), 14 defeats and two draws. He will turn 62 in November.