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Former world rater, Andrew Murray remembered
Eight years ago, on January 27 Guyana lost one of its sons, Andrew Alphonso Murray. A mean southpaw boxer for 11 years, Andrew dreamt of winning a world title for Guyana.
He fought Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey on August 25th 1995 in Cannet, France, for the World Boxing Association welterweight title and lost by a 4th round knockout.
Andrew Murray
Had he won he would have eclipsed the efforts of a host of other local fighters that had attempted the feat. His loss was by no means a shameful feat as Quartey was enjoying the most prolific years of his career.
Andrew was just a pre-teen (11 yrs. old) in the mid 80’s when he first donned boxing gloves to compete in the U-16 category at the now defunct Save the Children Boxing Gym.
His trainers then were Mr. Spencer and Mr. Ralph Paris, father of Olympian Mike Paris. He also enjoyed coaching tenures with George ‘Canchie’ Oprecht and earned several Gold medals at the Carifta Championships.
He was only 18 years old when he fought his first successful professional bout in Barbados. This skillful southpaw boxer proved his worth as one of the best, under the guidance of coach, Lennox Daniels and manager, Odinga Lumumba; winning the Fecabox Welterweight title which he held for many years.
In October of 1993, he traveled to London and won the Commonwealth Title by stopping Tony Swift in his own backyard.
He also defeated several world raters, the likes of Kevin Pompey, Mareno Jose Martinez, and Canadian, Boismenu among others. He was also the WBA Latin American champion, on two occasions.
Having fought these great boxers, his boxing ability was glorified and amplified, and this brought some enrichment to the sport in his homeland, the Caribbean and Latin America; despite the fact that efforts at a World Title eluded him.
Shortly afterwards Andrew retired from the boxing ring but his love for the sport was instrumental in his involvement in the promotional sector. Andrew was living in the USA but re-migrated to direct his efforts at development of young amateur boxers.
Andrew Murray Jnr continues to carry his father’s legacy.
He started promoting against his inexperience and meager earnings. It was while laying the groundwork for a card in Linden that he met his demise. He was traveling alone along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway when his car plunged into a ravine around Mobillisa. By the time a public spirited citizen had discovered Andrew he was in terrible shape.
The man had transported Andrew to the McKenzie Hospital, Linden where despite the best efforts of doctors to save his life, Andrew past on. Andrew was in the midst of revival efforts to lift the sport from its dismal state.
Andrew was a true sport and boxing ambassador for his country. He loved boxing and worked assiduously to achieve fame and glory for himself and his native land. His ambitions were aided by unshakeable support from his mother, coaches, manager, faithful friends and family.
Andrew was named ‘Sportsman of the Year’ in 1993 and 1994 and was later awarded the ‘Medal of Service’ award by the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. He loved Guyana but was forced to take his campaign to the USA where opportunities abounded. Notwithstanding this, his heart was still in Guyana.
His excellence in the sport did not happen; it was achieved through hard work, dedication, discipline and sacrifices.
Andrew lived for boxing and dedicated his efforts to the promotion of the sport. Like a dedicated soldier, he died in the line of duty, doing what he loved best, promoting a boxing match, which was scheduled for the Linden town.
Guyana has lost a true son of the soil. He was a symbol and a role model to young boxers and his family.
His mother recently voiced indeed, his legacy, prowess and fame will be remembered across Guyana, particularly the sporting fraternity as was promised by the current Guyanese President, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, the President of G.B.B.C and the Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme among others.
Andrew’s feats are further promoted through the exploits of his son, Andrew Murray (jnr), whose football feats for the Alpha United FC are well documented.
His father was also an excellent footballer but loved boxing more. His son also enjoyed a successful tenure in the boxing ring. Andrew’s memory will continue to live in our hearts forever.
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