Lewis Gets Title, and a First for Guyana
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
AS VEGAS, Feb. 17 — Guyana's undefeated Andrew Lewis, known as Six Heads, captured the vacant World Boxing Association welterweight title tonight, stopping James Page of the United States in the seventh round at the MGM Grand Hotel. Lewis, who lives in Crown Heights in Brooklyn, became Guyana's first boxing world champion, rising to 20-0 with one draw after his 19th early stoppage, which came 73 seconds into Round 7. Page, in his first bout after a 19-month layoff, fell to 25-4. Lewis landed a right hook to the left side of the temple that staggered Page. Page then slumped and fell to the canvas. Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight seconds later. "I could see he was getting sluggish," Lewis said. "He hit me with some good shots, but Six can take it. This is the first world title for Guyana. I'm very proud to win it. I love Guyana." Lewis, 30, began by throwing flurries of punches at Page, whose long ring layoff showed from the start. Lewis wobbled Page on the ropes midway into Round 1, knocked Page down in Round 2 and continued to dominate thereafter. "I'm normally a slow starter," Lewis said. "I started as fast as possible to let him know I was going to win the fight. I knew I could knock him out. I knew he couldn't take it into the later rounds." Lewis's nickname came after a fight in Georgetown when he was 7, when his opponent said he could not continue after a beating because he saw six heads. Now Lewis wants the chance to inflict a similar beating on the World Boxing Council welterweight champion, Shane Mosley. "I would like to bring out Shane Mosley or Oscar De La Hoya," Lewis said. "Bring them on." Lewis could be the next foe for Mosley after Mosley's March 10 title defense here against Shannan Taylor of Australia in a battle of unbeatens. De La Hoya's next bout is March 24 against Arturo Gatti. Page lost his bid to win back the title he gave up last year when he refused to fight Lewis over a dispute with the promoter Don King. Page twice backed out of fights with Lewis because he wanted more money. He would have made only $100,000 had he fought Lewis under King's deal. This fight brought Page twice that.  Follow the goings-on in Guyana  If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.
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