by Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
April 27, 2001

One does not have to be a boxing savant to conclude that Larry Marks has arrived on trouble's doorstep.

In less that 24 hours he comes up against World Boxing Association welterweight champion Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis.

That alone does not constitute to trouble but a closer look at Lewis' imposing record deepens Marks' imminent predicament. Unlike Marks, Lewis is a devastating starter who hunts, stalks and destroys.

The obvious answer to what makes Lewis so effective is his speed and power.

At 30 years Lewis may not be the youngest to make a first title defence, but he is a well-rounded and fundamentally sound fighter.

Twenty-one fights with 19 knockouts say a lot. Lewis has recorded six first round stoppages and has flattened eight opponents in the second round.

That's power if nothing else is. He has speed (second only to Shane Mosley) and the ability to frequently change from southpaw to orthodox and be equally as effective with both styles.

One need only ask Sebastian Valdez, the California State champion or James Page whose face felt the power of Lewis' fists constantly on the night of February 17.

Both fighters we surprised by his swiftness and accuracy with the latter having to endure it for seven hellish rounds.

The champion's camp claims that he is in far better shape now than when he fought Page. If true, it spells trouble not only for Marks but for any other welterweight.

Marks himself may know it. He opted to turn up very late for the pre-fight press conference on Wednesday and was very respectful to the champion until during the one-on-one interviews with the media when he let out a string of boasts.

The 6' tall American who depends on a big right to do damage, has not secured a knockout since April 1999 (five fights) and with half of 24 fights ending inside the distance cannot be considered a legitimate banger.

In comparison to Lewis, Marks is a slow methodical fighter, who, as Lewis' trainer Angel De Jesus pointed out, is a replica of James Page. He has been dropped but not stopped. Yet in his career, which started in October 1996, he has not met anyone quite like his opponent for tomorrow's clash.

The champion needs a win and an impressive one. It is `The Albouystown Cyclone's' second fight on HBO TV and a resounding victory would of course bring more fans and more money. Lewis pockets $US150, 000, his second largest purse while Marks collects his highest ($US40,000).

But just in case it is felt that Marks is in without a chance it should be know that he has one in Lewis' shaky defence. It became evident in round three of the Page fight when the Guyanese was twice walloped by Page and stood almost motionless when tagged. He later had to be shouted on by corner men to move his head.

However, the Lewis camp have disclosed that extensive work has been done on in that area. The New York Times reported yesterday that President Bharrat Jagdeo would be attending the bout.

If correct, he should greater motivation for Lewis to record his 20th knockout and place Guyana firmer on the boxing map of the world.