Carnival atmosphere pervaded Georgetown
A CARNIVAL atmosphere pervaded Georgetown on Saturday night, following Guyana's first-ever world boxing title, captured by Andrew `Sixheads' Lewis.
Hours before Lewis took on American James Page for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown, thousands of Guyanese had gathered at several night spots in the city to get a glimpse of the action.
The main focus however centred on Lewis's residence in Albouystown, where Lewis grew up and learnt his boxing from an early age. A large television screen was placed in front of his mother's home, and from the street his followers viewed the action from the MGM Grand Centre in Las Vegas.
Traffic also came to a standstill in most of the streets in Georgetown as Guyanese went into a frenzy.
Lewis's win was also greeted by the loud tooting of horns and firecrackers while the victory party continued until daybreak and throughout yesterday and will most likely continue today with Guyana's president Bharrat Jagdeo, who was also present in Albouystown, declaring today a National Holiday.
Lewis's victory came after several Guyanese fighters had failed to succeed in winning world titles.
Patrick Ford lost both of his encounters, the first to the legendary Mexican Salvador Sanchez and then to Eusebio Pedroza.
Terrence Alli, the best rated of all Guyanese boxers, was knocked out by Harry Arroyo when well ahead on points. He also suffered defeats at the hands of Mexican greats Julio Cesar Chavez and Jose Luis Ramirez.
Among the other losers were Anthony `The Pearl' Andrews, Wayne Harris and Andrew Murray.
By Isaiah Chappelle
Bazilio, who is credited with making the international contact for Lewis, refused to take accolades but rather wanted the spotlight to be focused on the champion alone. "I told you five years ago since he fought Terrence Alli that he would give the title to Guyana," Bazilio recalled.
The former boxer was more philosophic about what will come out of the victory.
Bazilio said: "Let's hope that Lewis not only bring home the world title, but peace, love and unity in the Guyanese people. The title is for Guyana and not only for one race. Just as we enjoy and celebrate this victory, we should unite for the benefit of the country which would bring more betterment for other youths to achieve what Sixheads has."
The promoter called on the authorities for more investment in sports, especially boxing.
"This victory shows how boxing can bring a lot of hard currency to this country," Bazilio said.
Bazilio pointed out that there are about 40 professional fighters of which six are world-raters who would be fighting anytime.
"We should get two more world champions before the end of the year - Andre Purlette and Wayne Braithwaite," Bazilio declared.
Purlette is unbeaten in 29 fights with 26 knockouts and is about to sign a four-fight contract with HBO as a heavyweight, according to Bazilio. Braithwaite is a cruiserweight who is also unbeaten.
"I'm almost certain they would be world champions. Both are exciting fighters, making them money-spinners for big purses," Bazilio said.
Bazilio reiterated: "Boxing could be bringing money to this country than any other export."
Andrew Murray who had a crack at a world title said: "What I can tell you is what I have been saying all along - that if we get James Page, we would have gotten the title."
Murray said other local boxers like Gairy St Clair came against Page in the gym and knew Lewis would have beaten him.
"This is the doorway to bigger things. Now they will know about Guyana. It will no longer be a tiny country on South America," Murray said.
The former world-rater pointed out that Guyana can now expect more limelight performances from Gairy St Clair, Vivian Harris, Rawle Frank and others.
Murray acknowledged the contribution made for the historic day by boxers like Terrence Alli, Patrick Forde and Lennox Blackmore.
"They paved the way for us," Murray said.
Alli, Forde, Blackmore, Murray, Anthony `The Pearl' Andrews, Wayne Harris and Rawle Frank have all had world title cracks.
National amateur coach Lennox Daniels guided Lewis to several Gold medals in the Caribbean and to an Olympic qualification for the 1992 Barcelona Games where he lost a controversial 8-7 decision to favourite Andreas Otto of Germany.
Daniels said: "That is his natural ability. It is the same style which earned him Gold in the amateur ring."
The national coach pointed out that the exposure to crowds as an amateur in the Olympics did him well.
"The crowd did not bother him. He just went in and fought," Daniels said.
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