GUYANESE boxing legend Patrick Ford defeated Alejandro Garcia on April 8, 1985. Ford won by technical knockout (TKO) in round four to secure his first victory in almost five years. The slimly built featherweight had last tasted victory in August of 1980 when he stopped Nigerian Eddie Ndukwu to snatch the Commonwealth featherweight crown.
That win was followed by four consecutive defeats. Ford, undefeated in 16 fights then lost a majority decision to World Boxing Council champion Mexican Salvador Sanchez the following month. He was at the time attempting to become the first Guyanese to win a world title.
On Valentine Day in 1981 Ford continued the losing streak, only this time he was stopped in the 13th round by World Boxing Association champion Eusebio Pedroza.
The Guyanese then lost to David Brown and Mexican Isidro Perez in April and May of 1982 respectively.
Ford then took a three-year hiatus from the sport and upon his return defeated Garcia. Victories over Dennis Dalrymple and Albert Browne followed before the talented former Commonwealth champion quit the sport. Ford then turned to coaching and held regular sessions at the Gleason Gym in New York.
He had joined the professional ranks in 1976 and after 11 years recorded 19 victories (12 by KO) and four defeats.
When the history of Guyana’s boxing is chronicled Ford’s name would be a headline as he was a fearless warrior equipped with power in both hands.