By Wendella Davidson

GUYANESE Lennox “Len” Beckles, whose name was famous in the local boxing arena in the 60s, died recently in Trinidad. He was 77.

Beckles, a former national welterweight boxing champion, started his career in 1960, with his first fight against a boxer named Ralph, at the GFC ground. Beckles, who started fighting as a junior welterweight, also fought in the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions.

He was regarded as a pugilist who ventured into the top classes of his division and made Guyana proud, especially when he fought then Jamaican and Commonwealth champion, Bunny Grant, here in 1967.

The fight, which was held at the GFC ground, was declared a draw.
Also in 1967, Beckles fought and lost to Venezeulan Carlos Hernandez.
In 1968, Beckles fought Jose Napoles, a legend in international boxing, for a World Championship title. He lost that fight which was staged in Mexico.

Beckles, during his heyday, also fought against local boxers Ivelaw Stephenson, Caesar Barrow, Brian Muller; and Vernon Lewis as well as American Eddie Perkins.

He fought John Cooke for the British and Commonwealth titles in England but lost on points. He, however, returned to beat him in a rematch.
He was also credited for imparting a lot of his boxing skills to some then young pugilists.