On January 18, 1989 Guyanese featherweight Wayne Smith lost an eight- round bout to Jamaican Barrington Francis.The fight was held in Guyana and earned Smith his third defeat in 10 fights. Smith had a shaky start to a professional career which lasted five years.
On February 26, 1985 he debuted against `Wonder Boy’ Darius Ford and lost via a decision at the end of six rounds.
Smith then racked up six straight victories, including wins over Fitzroy Davidson, Lancelot Cyrus and Ronald Mc Bean, before meeting a slick boxer named Michael Parris.
The two fought twice in 1988 with Parris, a bronze medalist in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, winning the first encounter on August 14. On December 4 the two battled to a draw when the featherweight title of Guyana was at stake.
Smith would have his last three fights during 1990 with all being staged in French Guiana. He started his final year by knocking out Frenchman Philippe Binante in 21 seconds of the first round, but lost by points to Jean Marc Linguet in May and Mohammed Bennama in October.
Smith ended with seven victories, five defeats and one draw.