BOXING pundits of yesteryear oft times engaged in a good old gaff of the exploits of past boxing legends, the likes of Patrick Forde, Lennox Beckles, Lennox Blackmore, Kenny Bristol and the myriad of ‘punchers’ that have institutionalised the sport locally.The debates have been furious but with no way to confirm the data, most debates ended as they had started – with both parties unsure of whether they are right.
These occurrences have highlighted the need for archival data to clarify such issues and former Continental of Americas Welterweight Champion, Michael Benjamin, has accepted the challenge to create a forum that documents the historical data of past and present pugilists.
The former boxing champion has teamed up with businessman and boxing enthusiast, Maurice Pyle, to effect changes to the status quo and will join with President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, and other boxing enthusiasts to launch the first ever (boxing) pictorial museum at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Independence Boulevard today.
The museum will depict the photos of a wide cross-section of boxers, past, present and even deceased. Later on the collection will include coaches (past, present, alive and dead) as well as other affiliates that have contributed to the development of the sport.
At the moment, photos of several local pugilists are completed and ready for display including ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, Gary St. Clair, Wayne Braithwaite and Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore. The females have not been forgotten and there are also portraits of those that have distinguished themselves.
These include Gwendolyn O’Neil, who is a five-time world champion, and current world champion, Shondell Alfred.
President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool and the GBA President, Steve Ninvalle have imputed greatly and have also etched their names into boxing even amidst vast odds and they will also be depicted for their efforts.
Several corporate entities and individuals have contributed handsomely to the project including Ramchands’s Auto Sales, Claude Raphael’s Real Estate, German’s Restaurant, Dr. Max Hanoman, Abdool and Abdool’s Insurance Brokers, Eddy Grant, Oasis Waters, Joe Harmon, John Fernandes Ltd, Brydens and Fernandes, Modern Optical and Kaieteur News.
Last Friday afternoon, Benjamin visited the Betterverwagting office of Ansa McAl where senior executive, Troy Cadagon committed to a sum to complete the project. The former pugilist extended gratitude to his benefactor while pointing out the importance of the donation.
Meanwhile, Benjamin said that he has had discussions with Ninvalle and Abdool and they have both given their blessings to the project. He also intimated that apart from converting the ALBG to an archival location he envisages a place where boxers could congregate for social and other activities.
The former local and Continental of Americas welterweight champion feels that the time has long past when contemporary pugilists can research the records and statuses of their predecessors in order to carry on the proud tradition.
“A boxing archives of a well-documented account of those (past) boxers’ activities may just be the variable to bolster the hopes and courage of our current boxers thus igniting renewed hope, vigor and vitality in their breasts,” Benjamin disclosed. He said while the boxers’ records will comprise a part of the institution, such data will be forthcoming since it requires meticulous research.

By Kizan Brumell