Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis has in mind Vernon Forrest as a potential opponent once he gets past Ricardo Mayorga next month but would also relinquish his World Boxing Association welterweight belt and move up to the more lucrative junior middleweight division if given a run around to fight Forrest.

Lewis' manager Nelson Fernandez told Stabroek Sport that after the `Albouystown Cyclone' takes care of Mayorga on March 30 he will make an attempt to unify titles by challenging Forrest.

Unbeaten in 35 fights (26 knockouts), Forrest won the vacant International Boxing Federation welterweight title on May 12 last year following a 12-round decision over Guyanese Raul Frank at Madison Square Garden.

Later in 2001 he was stripped of that title after opting to fight WBC champion Sugar Shane Mosley, whom he manhandled en route to a 12-round unanimous decision to snatch the WBC crown.

"After the Mayorga fight (that `Six' would win inside 10 rounds) we will try and get the unification bout against Vernon Forest as soon as possible," Fernandez declared.

However, Lewis' manager made it clear that Forrest will not hold the Guyanese to ransom. "I must warn you and the rest of the world that if Vernon gives us a run around we will vacate the title and go after the big names in the 154 pounds division."

Oscar De la Hoya holds the WBC junior middleweight belt while Fernando Vargas and Winky Wright are the WBA and IBF holders respectively. The WBO title is vacant.

"We have Vernon Forrest in our plans but does he have us in his," Fernandez asked adding that no man nor organisation will keep `Six' from achieving up to his potential and become a multi-title champ.

"If Vernon keeps shying away we will move forward to the next division." Meanwhile, Lewis, yet to be defeated in 23 fights, has been issued special head gear to protect his eyes while sparring.

Fernandez said that the custom made head guard, fashioned by sports gear manufacturer Grant, gives protection to Lewis eyes which were cut during his defence against Ricardo Mayorga last July.

The manager stated that the cuts have healed and are not a bother to the champion.

"The cuts have healed very well and are not noticeable," Fernandez said. "We have a special head gear that we are using as any fighter would use in the event of a head butt. Honestly they (the cuts) are not a concern to us."

Lewis has signed a contract with Grant which supplies him with equipment and apparel. The 31-year-old Lewis is the first Guyanese fighting under the Golden Arrowhead to win a world title and at present is the lone fighter from CARICOM with a world crown.