By Isaiah Chappelle
Guyana Chronicle
May 19, 2001
GUYANA'S first world champion, Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis, could be fighting on local soil as early as July with support from the government.
During yesterday's courtesy call on Prime Minister Sam Hinds, manager Nelson Fernandes disclosed that it was the champion's wish to fight before his countrymen and that could materialise on a date between July 15 and 21.
Lewis was originally carded to face Cory Spinks in a title defence in Las Vegas on July 21.
"We have taken off the July 21 defence fight from our calendar," Fernandes said. "The next defence fight will be in September, so the local fight can come between," he added.
Fernandes identified Michael Covington who has a record of 26 wins, 19 of which were knockouts, and one loss.
"I already mentioned the possible fight with Covington and his response was positive," Fernandes disclosed. "So see, if Covington could beat Six, he could be next in line for the title. But he can't beat Six," he added.
The manager of some 30 years experience pointed out that such a venture of staging a fight here would be very costly and called on the prime minister to help with soliciting assistance.
"We want to make it accessible dollar-wise for the people," Fernandes said. "But that needs heavy sponsorship," he pointed out.
Fernandes urged the media to help sensitise the business community about the importance of such a venture, disclosing that promoter Keith Bazilio will be staging the event, possibly at the world famous GCC ground, Bourda.
"It comes from him (Sixhead Lewis). He is Guyana. He is your warrior whom you are sending to friendly land to conquer," Fernandes said.
Prime Minister Hinds pledged: "We will pursue it. You can expect all support from the government for the venture."
The Prime Minister wished the champion the best and urged him not to get into partisan matters because of the sensitivity now prevalent in Guyana.
`Sixhead' and his management team next journeyed to a media briefing at GTV's Homestretch Avenue studio where they entertained questions and made several clarification about various aspects of the champion's affairs.
Fernandes disclosed that contrary to local belief, there is no "entourage" with the champion, but the management called "Team Lewis" comprising `Sixhead', the manager, trainer Angel De Jesus and co-trainers Edgar `Butch' Sanchez and Quito Soto.
"Anyone else who said they are part of the team is lying. There is no security staff, we don't need that. There is no business management team," Fernandes declared.
The manager also cleared the air on the drop in earnings for the champion, who received US$200 000 for the championship fight and US$150 000 for defending it.
Fernandes explained that the fighter is contracted to HBO which has three channels for boxing - HBO World Championship Boxing which is the top of the line for recognised boxers, HBO Boxing After Dark and KO Nation which is a new channel for up-and-coming boxers and those who are not well-known in the USA and the world.
`Sixhead' defended his title on the last which has a very small budget.
"We opted for KO Nation for a little less money only because, what good is it to have a product like Six and not let the whole world know we belong to championship boxing," Fernandes said.
The manager pointed out that the exposure they got through KO Nation might not be dollarwise a smart move, but in the career of Six, it was a very smart move because KO Nation for that fight got the biggest ratings.
"That has only planted the seed and the emotion and the desire to `Sixhead' Lewis and because of that we got a September date for World Championship boxing which is the top of the line," Fernandes declared.
The manager also touched on the length of time the boxer will be in the ring.
"The ultimate fight would be the Shane Mosley where Sixhead gonna knockout Shane Mosley, and they gonna want a rematch and we gonna knock him out again. Our Team Lewis has one goal: to make Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis the best welterweight in the history of boxing," Fernandes declared.
"And after we beat Shane Mosley two times, I'm going to suggest that Six retire," Fernandes said.
Fernandes spoke of the percentage boxer and manager get from purses, saying it was normal boxing manager/contract of New York State Athletic Commission, whereby the boxer gets 66 2/3 per cent and manager 33 1/3 per cent.
The manager dispelled rumours that there might be a split between himself and the champion, disclosing they have just signed a new contract.
Other questions probed into the champion's personal use of his money and relationship with his family. Another comment was critical of his defence in fighting.
The media briefing was chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Keith Booker.
Tomorrow the champion will attend a renaming ceremony of the Young Achievers Gym to Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis where the champion started his boxing career. It now starts at 13:00 hrs.
Later, Sixhead Lewis will visit house lots and in the evening he will be Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control at Cara Lodge in Pere Street, Kitty.