MINISTER of Sport Dr Frank Anthony yesterday extended condolences to the relatives, friends and sporting colleagues on the death of former boxing champion Patrick Forde, in a Brooklyn hospital last Sunday
The news of the passing of the relatively young, former boxing champion, Patrick Forde of Guyana caught us at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, by shocked surprise.
The ministry, therefore, hastens to send its condolences to the relatives, friends and sporting colleagues of the former champion.
This loss, though seemingly much too early, can be assuaged by the fact that Patrick showered himself in glory at an early age and in so doing, through the fistic sport of boxing, catapulted Guyana onto the international scene, thus sharing his feats and honour with the nation.
Forde’s memorable world championship fight against Salvador Sanchez in San Antonio, Texas in 1980, left many wondering why the Third World boxer was not the victor of the WBC Featherweight Title that night.
The first to fight for and win titles wrapped in the independent Golden Arrowhead Patrick had also held titles from the Commonwealth and FECABOX.
Boxing analysts, journalists and fans alike speak of Forde’s finesse in the ring which craft earned him both adulation and titles.
The ministry salutes this fallen hero who helped to put post Republican Guyana on the World’s Sporting Map and continued to use his retirement in the USA to assist young boxers and who set other precedents.