HIS casket was placed in the centre of the Burnham Basketball Court at Independence Park (Parade Ground) draped in the Golden Arrowhead and on it rested the WBA welterweight belt. Guyana’s first World boxing champion, Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis made his final ‘hooray’ yesterday as hundreds turned out to bid farewell to the man who many will remember for his famous 7th round TKO win over American James Page on February 17, 2001 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 44-year-old Lewis was killed on Monday May 4 in an accident on the East Bank Highway, in the vicinity of Covent Garden.
Reports state that the former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion was riding his bicycle, heading to a popular ‘coconut’ spot near his home – somewhere he visits daily – when he was struck from behind by a motor car.
It was an emotional day for all who turned up to bid farewell to Guyana’s hero, many of whom only know him as ‘Six Head’.
A resident of Albouystown, Lewis was remembered not only for his exploits in the ring, but for his kindness; a man that would give his last to someone if he believed that the person needed it more than he.
“You’re always going to be our champion,” many chanted with tears rolling down their cheeks.
His children, nine of them to be exact, had to be consoled as they too could not have held the tears after seeing their father lying in a casket with one of his daughter stating, “I never thought I would see my father like this, in this position.”.
Lewis’s brother Troy said that he will miss his brother, stating that the two were very close. The former world champion’s sisters all called him their ‘father’.
“I don’t know my father, but I know my brother used to take care of me, look out for me and protect me,” one of his sisters cried while pounding on the fallen champion’s casket.
Rev. Michael Perreira presided at the funeral and during the eulogy which was read by daughter Omalesa, the former Guyanese and WBA champion’s life was chronicled and portrayed the life of a man whose true love was boxing as well as his family.
‘Six Head’ Lewis at the time of his climb to the top was the number one welterweight contender in the WBA rankings and was undefeated in 20 professional fights, knocking out 18 of his opponents.
The Albouystown resident was hunting an achievement that would make him a legend if accomplished. He became his country’s Champion, after Patrick Ford and Lennox Blackmore.
With an entire nation behind him, Lewis went on to win via TKO against Page in 7th of their 12-round contest.
The boy from Albouystown turned ‘Pro’ in 1993, first stepping into the ring against Fitzroy Davidson and eight years later he sat on top of the world, immortalised by Guyanese home and abroad.
Guyana’s last World champion Shondell Alfred was present at yesterday’s funeral and spoke of how Lewis’s winning a World title inspired her to step into the ring and she later emulated his achievement.
President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool believes that Lewis’ legacy would be unmatched.
Abdool said that Guyana lost one of the Caribbean and the world’s most technical fighter and that they may never see another ‘Six Head’ Lewis again.
After the tributes and service wrapped up at the Burnham basketball court, the funeral proceeded to the Le Repentir Cemetery for burial.

By Rawle Toney