LENNOX Blackmoore remains a legendary name in the sports annals of Guyana, An exceptionally talented boxer Blackmoore was a classic during Guyana’s golden era of boxing and due to his performance in the ring, provided many instances for the country to celebrate.The skilful lightweight began his professional career in January 1974. Two months later he earned his second victory with a four-round points-decision over Roy Smith. The fight was held on March 31, 1974. However, the winning streak was halted there.
In Blackmoore’s next fight he was defeated by nemesis Terrence `Tiger’ Green. The darling of Guyana’s boxing bounced back and won the Commonwealth lightweight title in October 1977, after pounding out a 15-round decision over Jonathan Dele in Nigeria.
He lost the title in October 1978, following a fifth round KO at the hands of Hogan Jimoh, another Nigerian.
Moving up one division, the Cancer-born Blackmoore challenged World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion Aaron `The Hawk’ Pryor in June 1981.
Once considered one of the best counter-punchers in the business, the Guyanese found himself in early trouble as Pryor swarmed from the opening bell and knocked him down several times in the brief encounter. Pryor won the bout by a TKO in round two, in the process denying Guyana a chance of claiming its first world title.
`Blackie’ turned to training after retiring in 1986 and ironically piloted countryman Vivian Harris the World Boxing Association super lightweight (junior welterweight) title, the very crown Pryor denied him. The former Commonwealth champion will celebrate his 66th birth anniversary on July 10.