JUST days after the cricket and media fraternities were deprived of the services of one of their very own; the boxing community has suffered a similar blow.Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis is dead via a motorcar/Special cycle accident, on Monday May 4, 2015. Our roads have claimed yet another life.
This loss is indeed unbearable and has sent shockwaves across Guyana, the Caribbean and the world at large.
‘Six Head’, who incidentally got the alias after knocking out an opponent, who on revival saw six heads instead of one, was born and raised in Georgetown. He had a considerable amateur career, including representing Guyana at various competitions.
In 1993, this athlete switched to professional boxing with tremendous success knocking out eight of his nine opponents.
After dominating at home, Andrew realised that for him to make it at the big times, he must move beyond the boundaries of his homeland.
He and two other boxers were encouraged, wished well and seen off by Mr Neil Kumar, Director of Sport, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport en route to the USA.
As a consequence, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis left Guyana and took up residence in the USA. There he continued from where he left off at home by knocking out eleven of his first twelve opponents.
Like most Guyanese, regardless of their potentials, skill, ability, Andrew was not given the kind of representation necessary for a fighter of his class.
As a true Guyanese warrior, he did not give up. Instead, he persisted and finally got the opportunity to prove to the world that he did not go to the USA on a joyride or holiday.
In 2001 ‘Six Head’ stepped into the ring at the MGM Ground in Las Vegas and punched and destroyed the known tremendous power-puncher James Page for the vacant WBA welterweight title, winning by way of a TKO in the seventh round,
Guyanese present at the fight, those watching on television in the USA and in other parts of the world and, of course, those at home who were glued to their television sets, at clubs, shops, restaurants and wherever it was possible, were not disappointed – a sensational victory was achieved by a son of the soil.
On February 17, 2001, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis won Guyana its first-ever Boxing World Title. America and the rest of the world got to know who and what he was and were very impressed. So impressive was Andrew that after unanimously defeating Larry Marks, the powerhouse ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley, the-then WBC champion, backed out of a talked-about welterweight unification against the Guyanese.
Andrew Lewis’ victory inspired other Guyanese boxers who went on and emulated their countryman and idol and recorded their names as World champions including our female boxers, in various categories.
Unfortunately, Lewis’ reign as World Champion ended when, through improper management and preparation and incorrect fighting technique, he was stopped by the slugger, Nicaraguan Ricardo Mayorga.
He attempted a comeback in 2003 but was again defeated, this time by WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito in two rounds.
On his return to Guyana and after a few showings, he called it a day.
However, it was difficult for him to stay out of the ring and answered a call from Jamaican Mullings. Because of illness, he was unable to keep that ring date.
His professional record stands at 23-4-3 with 20 KOs.
It was sad that such a boxer with World Class potential was unable to be counted among the all-time Greats.
In his honour the Government constructed a boxing gym named the ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym.
It is with a feeling of sorrow that the NSC expresses heartfelt condolences to yet another outstanding Guyanese professional and wishes him the best on his journey and stay with his Almighty Father.
To his immediate family and friends and the boxing and sports fraternity we extend our sincere condolences.
May his soul rest in Peace!