Eastman versus Lewis promises to be a scorcher

Sep 22, 2008 Sports

– Frank to finally make appearance against PompeyBy Rawle Welch
When middleweight champion Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman and former WBA welterweight champion Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis battle each other on September 27 for the national title, local fans will get their first opportunity to decide who is arguably the best Guyanese fighter right now.

With no Guyanese fighter currently holding a world title after having held as many as four, the two 37 years old because of their immense talent, still remain the country’s best bet to regain some amount of respect in the sport on the world stage.

The two are scheduled to square off over 12 rounds in the main bout of the McNeal Enterprise / Stanford Solomon Boxing card on September 27 at the Guyana National Stadium which is expected to produce fireworks in a well crafted night of boxing.

The under-card also features a terrific match that will see the long awaited return of Raul Frank against the usually tough Winston Pompey in a middleweight bout over 10 rounds, while in another eagerly anticipated clash US-based ‘Coolie Bully’ Elton Dharry takes on the skilful Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers over 6 rounds in a bantamweight contest.

According to Promoter Odinga Lumumba, the other bouts will be released to the media shortly, but he promised more action-packed fights.

Raul Frank (right) after he finished signing to fight Winston Pompey along with promoter Seon Bristol

In the main bout, Eastman, who once held the British, Commonwealth and European titles will definitely need to utilise all his experience to get past the skilful Lewis.

A fighter, who has fought some of the best there is in the business with the most prominent being the controversial loss to William Joppy in November 2001 and a lacklustre display against Bernard Hopkins in February 2005 where many felt he performed way below the level they are accustomed to seeing him.

Eastman, who turned pro in 1994 boasts an inspiring record, having fought 49 times racking up 43 wins with 6 losses and he will be looking to impress the fans after a close contest in his last fight against ‘Deadly’ Denny Dalton, whom he gained a unanimous decision over to capture the national title.

The ‘Battersea Bomber’ as he is familiarly known, should start as the favourite due to his vast experience, especially against tough opponents and his superior ring activity, but failing to prepare the right way could prove to be detrimental against the crafty Lewis, who also packs a powerful punch.

On the contrary, the south paw Lewis’s inactiveness could work against him, but he had stated in earlier interviews that he has lost none of his skills and hunger as he attempts to make a full return to the pinnacle of the sport, a position he knows all about.

The former Albouystown resident captured the WBA title after beating James Page in 2001 and made one successful defence against Larry Marks, before stepping into the ring with the enigmatic Ricardo Mayorga in 2002.

Their first bout ended prematurely as Lewis suffered a nasty cut due to an accidental butt in the second round that forced a rematch.

The rest is history, their 2003 replay saw Lewis suffer a 5th round TKO, handing Mayorga the title. He then suffered a loss to Antonio Margarito and was never able to regain his momentum eventually sliding down the rankings and into oblivion, before his trilogy with Dalton concluded with a unanimous decision in April 2007.

So far, Lewis has 29 fights to date with 23 victories, 3 losses, 2 draws and 1 no decision.
Speaking with Lewis’ Coach Lennox Daniels, he said that sessions have been going great and they are currently in direct preparation phase where the heavy sparring is almost complete and a lot of emphasis is now being placed on speed and punching accuracy.

Asked what strategy they intend to employ to assure victory, Daniels refused to disclose their plans, but stated that many ideas are being worked upon on how to beat Eastman. “We can outbox, outfight Eastman and we are confident that in all aspects of the game we are superior,” Daniels informed.

Kaieteur Sport will make an attempt to get Eastman’s side shortly as well as hear from Lewis directly. Gates open from 19:00 hrs and the first fight starts at 20:00 hrs.

Admission is Stands-$1,000, Ringside- $3,000, VIP- $12,000 which will include drinks and snacks, while booths for business entities will be made available.