Michael `Tyson’ Benjamin will remain one of the most exciting boxers to have come out of Guyana. He won and lost in the same fashion, spectacularly. A fearless warrior, Benjamin’s courage in the ring was unmatched locally during his era.

Benjamin needed just two rounds to get rid of Trinidadian Desbourne Seaton when the two met at the National Sports Hall on September 28, 1991. The orthodox fighter was 25 years old at the time and had loss only three times in 21 fights.

The TKO victory over Seaton served as ample preparation for Benjamin’s next fight which was against the slick Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews. In the first month of 1992 Benjamin put his national welterweight title on the line against Andrews who was two years his senior.
The packed National Park fell silent after he TKOed the skilful Andrews in the fourth round. Benjamin was crowned Guyana lightweight champion following a win by Majority Decision over Jeff Roberts in November 1987.

The stocky boxer added the World Boxing Council Continental Americas lightweight title to his collection when he defeated, via unanimous decision, former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ernesto Espana of Venezuela. The fight was held in Guyana in August 1988.

At one time Benjamin was the quintessence of true grit and determination. He was the total package and could be a slugger in one instance and a master boxer in another. His record reads 23-8-2 with a 42.4 percent knockout average. He will turn 55 in March 2021.