… deserves a national award – Lumumba

THE `Angelo Dundee’ of Guyana’s boxing, Maurice `Bizzy’ Boyce, was laid to rest yesterday, at the Le Repentir Cemetery after serving Guyana’s boxing fraternity for more than 48 years.
Boyce, who died two Saturdays ago, four days after celebrating his 73rd birth anniversary, was given a hero’s send-off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall before his body was taken to its final resting place.

The news of his death came as a shock as it was only weeks ago that Boyce was very actively involved in a card organised by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) at the Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara.
According to reports, even though Boyce was not feeling well on the night of the card, he found the energy to ensure he was part of the card.
It was during the night of the very card that Boyce’s longtime friend and Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, asked him when he will quit the sport.
Delivering a tribute to Boyce during the funeral ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday, Mayor Chase-Green acknowledged that she knew Boyce for more than 48 years and it was through her husband, Terrence `Dick Tiger’ Green that she met Boyce and they have shared a close, friendly relationship since then.
“At the last boxing card at Giftland, I asked Bizzy when he would ever give up the sport and his reply to me was … I’ll never give up until I breathe my last breath,” Mayor Chase-Green recalled.

She said that Boyce, whom she met for the first time at the Albouystown YMCA, has lived his life how he wanted to and questioned: “How do you tell a man who has lived his life for his country and for the youths of the country to give up. I wish him farewell and may his soul rest in peace.” Mayor Green concluded.
Former Presidential Adviser on Empowerment, Odinga Lumumba, feels that the late boxing tactician deserves a national award
Lumumba, a former boxing manager and promoter, in his tribute remembered the many times the two of them travelled all over the world with local boxers seeking to mark their names on the international scene.
Lumumba remembered seeing Boyce at 04:00hrs to 05:00hrs taking his charges through their paces while doing road work. “This was a man that was dedicated to the sport. Bizzy was sincere and every great boxer that Guyana produced, Bizzy was in some way or the other responsible for that boxer’s success,” Lumumba stated, adding “This is indeed a great loss to Guyana and Bizzy deserves a national award.”
Also offering a tribute was GBBC’s treasurer Andrew Thorne who reminded that Boyce started his career as a corner man in 1968, “fetching buckets of water and then he became one of Guyana’s better coaches.
According to Thorne, the highpoint of Boyce’s career was when he took Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite to fight for world titles as well as Michael Benjamin for the Continental of Americas welterweight title.
Thorne said Boyce also plied his trade at the world-famous Gleason Gym in New York. “The boxing fraternity will surely miss him. While we’re sad that he is no more, he has left an indelible mark on the sport.”
Boyce’s wife Desiree explained that her husband was ill for a while and family members took him to the hospital for treatment but he was not admitted. However, his condition worsened and he was taken back to the hospital and this time was admitted but died the following morning.
On learning of Boyce’s death, his close friend and former boxing promoter, Keith Bazilio expressed shock at the news stating that Guyana has suffered a great loss with Boyce’s passing.
“Bizzy was not just a coach, he was always looking to see how best he can improve conditions for local boxers. He was always around to give advice to boxers and promoters and even those persons who are charged with the administration of the sport locally.”
Among the many boxers Boyce assisted in reaching world-class recognition are: Michael Benjamin for his first defence of the Continental of Americas title against Steve Lorrimer, Michael Reid, Kenny Bristol, Brian Muller, Albert Browne, Andrew `The Pearl’ Andrews for his world title fight against Jorge Castro, in the USA, and Joseph Murray for his FECABOX title fight.
Boyce leaves to mourn his wife Desiree, two sons – Jason and Rondell – many grandchildren and close friends.
Chronicle Sport extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Boyce and her family during this period of mourning.