'Sixhead' wins title in stunning demolition By Steve Ninvalle in Las Vegas in association with Federal Management System, GT&T, North American Airlines and BK International Stabroek News February 19, 2001 It was a whipping tantamount to one a father would inflict on an errant child. Yesterday morning (local time) at the MGM Grand Conference Centre in Las Vegas `Albouystown Cyclone' Guyanese Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis pole vaulted barriers never before scaled by any of his compatriots by hammering out a seventh round technical knockout over former champion James Page to become the first Guyanese fighting under the Golden Arrowhead to win a world boxing title. Displaying speed that would make local mini-bus drivers green with envy and enormous power to rival the Guyana Power and Light company, Lewis walloped his American opponent to make history by winning the vacant World Boxing Association welterweight title. Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the one-sided bout after one minute 13 seconds of the seventh round when a right hook to the temple sent the out-matched Page to the canvas for the second time recorded by the referee in the fight, as two other trips to the canvas by the American were deemed pushdowns. "It was like target practice out there, but I did watch out for his left hand. I knew he has always been a slow starter so I had to come out real fast. He hit me with some good shots, but `Sixhead' can take it to the chin. I have won the fight for my country Guyana, which has never won a world title," Lewis declared after the historic victory. Not losing a single round on the judges score sheet, the Guyanese peppered Page from the opening round and further stamped his authority with a right uppercut which forced the former champion to make the first of two unscheduled embraces of the canvas. "He was a lot hungrier than I was and a lot sharper. I knew he was a good fighter, but was surprised that he could take my punch. I was out too long and didn't seem to be sharp at all. I didn't think that I was hurt enough for the fight to be stopped. I felt I could continue," a dejected Page said after his fourth defeat in 29 fights. With the right uppercut proving a potent weapon for the `Albouystown Cyclone' and the taller Page reluctant to use the jab, Lewis carried a brief attack to the body in round three. Two vicious uppercuts to the mid-section caught Page's attention half way into the round. Questions about the strength of Lewis' chin were answered in round five when a big left from Page landed on target but failed to produce the desired effect. Dishing out more punishment, Lewis ended the carnage with a right to the temple that sent the outclassed `Mighty Quinn' to the floor. Guyana's first world champion threw 559 punches landing 227 of them while Page landed 75 of 318 punches thrown. "Guyana I love you and this is your victory. I'm not happy for myself as I am for my country. I made a promise to make you proud and I delivered. Thank you for the support," Lewis exulted at the post-fight press conference. The `Albouystown Cyclone' later told Stabroek News that he was never hurt by Page's much touted power left hand and maintained his focus throughout. "I was always there. He caught me with a punch in the second and fifth rounds but that's about it. I had my senses, I knew what I was about and I knew that I was giving him more than he had ever or could ever handle." "I know that there were a lot of people out there who felt that `Sixhead' couldn't take a punch but I have proved them wrong. I have shown that Guyanese are as good as the best. We have come a long way and this is just the beginning," the new WBA champion said. "Everyone who has seen this fight would tell you that I took care of business fair and square. I did what I had to do. I put him down and if the referee did not stop it I would have," the `Albouystown Cyclone'," declared. "I`m in my prime and ready to fight the best in the world. I travelled a hard road. I was dedicated, I trained hard, listened to my trainers and managers and this is where it carried me. I have to continue doing the same since there are a lot of people out there who would want to take my title. Now is our time to celebrate," an emotional Lewis said. Among the ringside viewers were IBF junior welterweight champion Zab Judah who gave the Guyanese anA plus grade for his performance. According to the young American champ, Lewis' display was one of the best he had seen and predicted that `Sixhead' will be an even tougher nut to crack next year. "Tonight Andrew Lewis gave an excellent performance. He was so sharp with his jab, his defence was excellent and his power special. He also showed good patience and speed," the Brooklyn resident said. "I give James Page an A for effort. He gave a 100 percent effort but Lewis must have an A plus for all-round ability. I was surprised he (Page) lasted so long after taking all those shots," said Judah. "I'm impressed with Lewis. This was his night, I think that he will remain champion for a long time," Judah continued. Both Lewis and Page received US$200,000 for the bout which was promoted by Top Rank Inc. and televised by HBO sports. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today 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.