By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
May 19, 2001

The possibility of Guyana's world welterweight boxing champion Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis fighting in Guyana depends on the realisation of sponsorship from the business community.

According to Lewis' manager Nelson Fernandes, there is every possibility that `Sixhead' can make a defence of his World Boxing Association title here in Guyana, but it would cost the Guyanese public US$1500 per ticket.

Fernandes who spoke at the fighter's press conference yesterday at GTV studios, explained that he was advised by local boxing promoter Keith Bazilio that only half of the local boxing population would be able to pay the US$1500, which means that sponsorship would be needed.

Fernandes said he spoke to American fighter Michael Covington's manager about a possible challenge to Lewis's title and he thinks it is a great idea. Fernandes feels the fight can be staged in Guyana in September. According to Fernandes, if the fight materialises, Bazilio will promote it.

With regards the possibility of a unification of the three titles (WBC, WBA and IBF) Fernandes said, "we plan to defend the WBA title against the number four ranked Chantel Stanceil and probably take on (Shane) Mosley in December, but I wish it was (Vernon) Forrest right away for the IBF title, so that we would be going into the Mosley fight and make the type of money Mosley is earning".

Asked if Lewis is ready for a Mosley fight, Fernandes said "If you ask me if he is ready for Mosley on July 21, I would say no, since we would not have been here, instead we would have been in camp, but we will be ready for Mosley in September.

Asked about the disparity of Lewis purses when he fought James Page for the title (US$200,000) and when he made the defence against Larry Marks (US$150,000), Fernandes explained that it was because Lewis fought for the HBO channel which has an interest in the Guyanese. Fernandes added that HBO comprises HBO Boxing After Dark and KO Nation, the latter which is new in the business and caters for up and coming fighters who people do not really know about. This channel likes Lewis and the experience he gained from KO Nation was not dollar-strong, but Lewis will benefit in the long term".

According to Fernandes, KO Nation which got the biggest rating after the Lewis versus Marks fight, has set up a September ring date for Lewis.

Fernandes also informed that Mosley fought Oscar De La Hoya for US$4.5M but for his next fight he earned US$1.2M.

With regards the US$12M which Fernandes was quoted as saying Lewis will earn in his career span, the manager said once the fight with Mosley materialises and Lewis beats him, Mosley will want a rematch "and Lewis will knock him out again" Fernandes boasted. This could earn Lewis a big pay day.

According to Fernandes, `Sixhead' receives 66 and two thirds percent of his purse and of that figure, 10 percent goes to his trainers. "It is a normal boxing contract" Fernandes said.

Asked what he has done with his earnings, Lewis said "is all about saving, I invested it in CD notes (fixed deposit)"

Fernandes warned against persons claiming to be a part of Lewis' management team and informed that it comprises himself and Lewis' three trainers and coach Angel de Jesus. "No one else" Fernandes declared.

He said in New York, some persons went to the North American Airline and claimed that they were members of Lewis' management team and received airline tickets to travel to Guyana and when the real management team showed up there were no tickets for them.

"However North America did not turn us down and I am very grateful to them for the tickets and I want to thank them personally" Fernandes said.

Fernandes also said Lewis does not have a security staff as was reported in the local media and there is no need for it.

Meanwhile, today Lewis and Minister of Housing Sheik Baksh will visit three house lots to identify his choice promised by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Later today, he will attend the dedication for the rebuilding of his first gym Young Achievers Gym in Albouystown from 1 p.m. and not 12 noon as reported.

Tonight Lewis will attend a Guyana Boxing Board of Control reception at the Cara Inn (formerly Embassy Club)