CLASSY Lennox Beckles had seven fights in 1964. He won five and lost two. One of the two losses happened on May 16.On that day he clashed with Percy Hayles at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica and lost via points after 10 rounds.
Judges Tony Bridges and Ganville DeLeon scored it 100-93 while referee Seaside Johnson had it 100-91, all in favour of the Jamaican. Beckles won his next four fights which included a first-round knockout of compatriot Caesar Barrow before losing to Johnny DePeiza.
The welterweight Beckles is still considered to be one on the best from Guyana to have entered the fistic sport. To many, his skill and ring craft are unmatched by any of the current crop of pugilists. In his prime Beckles had out-boxed the likes of Rugged Mack, Eddie Perkins and Vernon Lewis to name a few.
Beckles started professional boxing in September 1960 and had 10 fights before his first defeat. The slick boxer last fought in May 1979. He won 33 fights, lost 13 and drew two.