LIGHT heavyweight Dennis Andries warmed up for his Southern Area title with eight-round points decision over Bonny McKenzie on June 6, 1979 in Staffordshire. Andries took the Southern title in the next fight after knocking out Johnny Waldron in round 10. He started his professional career in 1978 at the age of 24, and had eight fights that year. By 1982 Andries had twice made unsuccessful bids for the British light heavyweight title. He finally grabbed the prize following a points-victory over Tom Collins on January 26, 1984.
Andries was crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion on April 30, 1986. He dethroned champion J.B. Williamson of the USA via a split decision and made one successful defence.
In his second attempt at defending the crown Andries faced Thomas `Hitman’ Hearns. In his usual no-nonsense style the `Hitman’ took aim and TKOed the Guyanese in round 10. Andries regained the WBC title twice and later moved up to the cruiserweight division.
He halted competition in 1996 and other than `Vicious’ Vivian Harris, remains the only Guyanese world champion to never have fought at home.