WELTERWEIGHT Lennox Beckles is still considered one of the best from Guyana to have laced up the gloves. To many, his skill and ring craft are unmatched by any of the current crop of pugilists. In his prime Beckles had beaten the likes of Rugged Mack, Caesar Barrow, Eddie Perkins, Vernon Lewis and Johnny DePeiza to name a few.
Beckles was 22 years old when he tackled Venezuelan Vicente Rivas on May 7, 1965, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The slick Beckles won the 10-round contest via points decision and improved his record to 16-2-1.
Beckles made his professional debut on September 26, 1960 and his first fight ended in a draw. He totalled 10 fights without being defeated. However, his first loss came on May 16, 1964. Coming against Percy Hayles at the National Stadium in Jamaica, Beckles was defeated via unanimous decision.
Brian Muller was Beckles’ last opponent. The fight took place in Guyana on May 27, 1979 and Muller was adjudged the winner. Beckles won 33 fights, lost 13 and drew two.