Local sportsman shares his journey through the years

By Shaniya Harding
IT was 1992 and one of the most talked about fights was about to take place in Guyana between two of the most promising boxers, Michael Benjamin and Rawle Frank. Thousands of fans were cheering; the adrenaline was coursing through both fighters’ bloodstreams and gloves were pitted against each other. And as the bell rang, Michael called upon every drop of strength he had. And in his usual spectacular way, he came out triumphant.

Guyana is known for its rich boxing legacy. In 1980, Michael Anthony Parris won Guyana’s first and only Olympic medal, creating history for the country. Along with this achievement, Guyana has produced several other prolific fighters like Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis and Vivian Harris. Michael Benjamin also made marks for the country in the sport as Guyana’s Lightweight Champion. He held the Continental of America’s Welterweight belt. But in addition to his boxing accolades, he is also a writer, journalist, and teacher. This article takes a look at his life, legacy, challenges and misfortunes. This is the story of Michael Benjamin.

Rough childhood
When asked, Michael described his childhood in one word: “rough”. Michael grew up in Tucville, Georgetown and was the 10th and last boy out of 12 siblings. He had very strict parents and a mother who left a strong imprint on him in more ways than one. “Throughout my boxing career, the hardest punch I got was from my mother,” Michael said. Due to the size of his family, his upbringing was difficult. It bears no question that Michael’s childhood was challenging. However, he believes these challenges led him to boxing and made him excel at the sport.

As a young man, Michael went to North Ruimveldt Multilateral School. Here, he discovered his passion for fighting, and his temperamental nature made it only natural. In reminiscing about his teenage years, Michael said, “I fought for everything. If you looked at me too strong, I was ready to fight. That was the kind of nature I had. I was angry, angry at everything. Boxing came naturally to me because I just liked fighting.”

Michael’s introduction to boxing would come from Cliff Anderson, who the sports hall is now named after. “Cliff Anderson introduced me to boxing. He came into the school one day with a duffel bag full of boxing gear. And that’s how I started boxing under supervision.” The Cliff Anderson boxing club would then be the first club Michael joined at just 11 or 12 years old. It is also here where he fought his first amateur match.

“It was a school exhibition. That was actually the first I went into a ring,” he said. And although his ameteur career was short, Michael clearly distinguished between amateur and professional boxing. He said, “Professional fighting is more brutal”. It was during this time that boxing became more than a game for him. “Boxing became my entire life,” he said.

A reckon-wothy talent
Michael Benjamin’s boxing career was characterised by his many accomplishments due to his undeniable talent. The beginning of his professional career took off in a whirlwind of success. One match that left a lasting impression on Michael was the fight between himself and Jeff Roberts. Described as his most memorable fight, Michael said, “It was the case of a classy fighter, Jeff Roberts, against me, who was more rough and tumble.” And although he won, it was one of his most difficult fights.

Michael’s boxing career wasn’t all good news, however. The first loss he suffered had been a hard one, and his first overseas match. He lost this match in Canada to Canadian fighter Victorio Belcher, by knockout in the fifth round. When asked about this he said, “It was hard for me, because when you have built up a resume of eight unbeaten fights and then you come to the sudden realisation that there are people out there that can seriously hurt you, it brings a different dimension to the game. Now you start to question yourself.” He went to bed that night vowing to never enter a ring again. This vow, of course, did not last.

According to sources, since his professional debut on August 31, 1986, Michael Benjamin has won 23 fights, lost eight and has drawn two of his matches. And although his career has been marked by success, it has also been marred by disappointments. One such occurred while the boxer was in the Bahamas defending his title. “I left and went to the Bahamas to defend the very title I won. I lost my title even before I fought because I couldn’t make the weight class. I was automatically stripped of my title. I lost my title and wasn’t paid. I came back home and nobody paid me any mind,” he explained. Regardless of all this, Michael is not bitter, as he believes we have no control over what is measured out to us, but rather how we respond to it.

Other pursuits and life changes
After a 26-year career in boxing, the long-time fighter, retired at the age of 38. By this time, he had developed his academic capabilities. Michael started what was perhaps, at the time, the most surprising career in journalism. He stated, “For me, it wasn’t easy, the transition. Because people looked at boxers as being dumb, stupid and inarticulate.” This, however, was certainly not the case. Michael went on to write a sports column called ‘Michael Benjamin’s Knock Out Punch’ for Stabroek News. Delving further into journalism and writing, he continuously worked to change the narrative.

Michael’s life changed when he was involved in a collision with a car while riding his motorcycle. It was fast and devastating. “I was riding my motorcycle along the railway embankment. I never saw the car, up to this day, I have not seen the car,” he said. His femur was crushed, leaving him with one leg longer than the other and a permanent limp.

On the matter of what boxing has taught him, Michael said that boxing had “tempered” him and given him a safe and healthy way of letting go of his anger. When asked the same question about journalism, he said, “If you’re not certain, don’t write it.” He also emphasised the power of the pen, saying that, “It is better to go along the line of caution…The truth is not the only parameter by which you check your article. It may be the truth but you as a journalist must decide if the truth is public worthy.” He noted that in journalism, it is important to consider how your words affect people, their business, their children and life at large.

Today at the age of 57, Michael lives a humble life in La Parfaite Harmony on the West Bank of Demerara. With all his life’s ups and downs, wins and knockouts, he has settled down and is no longer involved in boxing. Michael now spends his time teaching online and hosts an online religious show.

And although his journey has been a long one, when asked if he had the chance to relive his life, would he still choose boxing, he said, “Definitely. Had boxing not been part of my life, I may not have been here today”. And to a man that has fought it all, it remains true that, to him, his hardest fight was not one where his opponent wore big red gloves, but it is outside the ring where Michael said he fought his toughest battles.