Friendship laid the foundation for new world boxing champion
By Isaiah Chappele
WHEN the dust settles after the euphoria of Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis giving Guyana the first-ever world title in boxing, the true god-fathers of the new World Boxing Association Welterweight champion would clearly stand out.
One-time racing ace, Compton Maycock Beckles, managed the young champion since in his amateur days and was actually the one who sent Six Heads to train in the USA when he turned professional.
Andrew Lewis was introduced to Beckles in early 1990, by the boxer's uncle, Calvin Marcus, who was a friend of the racer. "I did not know of Six Heads. But his father, Sammy Marcus, and I were friends. We grew up together in Albouystown. Marcus told me this was Sammy's son," Beckles said.
Beckles disclosed that at that time, Randolph Singh who is well known as Duckie, the proprietor with the age-old shop at the corner of Sussex and Russel streets in Charlestown, was looking after the young boxer financially, even giving him advise when necessary to steer him from the ills of the world.
"From then I use to go to the gym every afternoon, first at the Albouystown YMCA, then West End in Tiger Bay. I never missed a day," Beckles disclosed.
Beckles added: "Caesar Barrow was his trainer, then Bizzy Boyce. It was Caesar Barrow who first told me Six Heads would become a World champion, although I knew it."
The training under Caesar Barrow was tough which made Andrew run away from it, but the relentless trainer would get him back in the gym.
Caesar Barrow set the real foundation for the eventual champion, his material manifesting itself early when Six Heads roughed up the heavier Andre Purlette, his friend, and then world rater, Anthony "the Pearl" Andrews, during sparring sessions with the two boxers at West End.
With financial support from Beckles, Six Heads remained in the ring dominating the local arena, and going on to Silver medal in the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games, the Pan American Games and the Argentine Pre-Olympic Box-off for South American countries where he won Gold and a place in the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Beckles said when Six Heads decided to hang up his amateur gloves, the manager told him he was finished with him, unless he would go to the USA to embark on his professional career there.
Six Heads seemed not interested, saying he had lost his passport, but still kept going to Beckles who eventually continued his manager role.
"He got his first professional contract with me. It was for five years," Beckles disclosed.
Eventually Beckles sent the budding champion to train in New York, getting him two training visas, firstly a six-week and another for two years.
"Six Heads got good exposure in Gleason's gym," Beckles contended. He added: "He trained in New York for his fight with Terrence Ali in 1996."
Beckles then sent him to Miami to continue training and that was the last he saw him as Six Heads made contact with his present manager.
"When they got him, he was already established with the National Welterweight title," Beckles pointed out.
But Beckles did not want any accolades now that Six Heads is recognised world-wide.
"I did it as a favour to his father, my friend, and for the Marcus' family," Beckles declared. He added: "I am happy with the break he has. I hope he will make the best of it."
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