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Neil Kumar pays tribute to Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis

May 07, 2015 Sports

Just days after the cricket and media fraternities were deprived of the services of one of their very own; the boxing community has suffered a similar blow, Director of Sport Neil Kumar noted in his tribute.
Andrew “Sixhead” Lewis is dead via a motorcar/Special cycle accident, on Monday May 04, 2015.  Our roads have claimed yet another life.
This loss is indeed unbearable and has sent shock waves across Guyana, the Caribbean and the world at large.
“Sixhead” who incidentally got the alias after knocking out an opponent who on revival saw six heads instead of one, was born and raised in Georgetown.  He had a considerable Amateur Career, including representing Guyana at various competitions.
In 1993 this athlete switched to professional boxing with tremendous success knocking out eight of his nine opponents.
After dominating at home, Andrew realized that for him to make it at the big times, he must move beyond the boundaries of his home land.
Himself and two other boxers were encouraged, wished well and seen off by Mr. Neil Kumar – Director of Sport at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport when they were travelling to the USA.
As a consequence, Andrew “Sixheads” Lewis left Guyana and took up residence in the United States of America.  There he continued from where he left off at home by knocking out eleven of his first twelve opponents.
Like most Guyanese, regardless of his/her potentials, skill, ability, Andrew was not given the kind of representation necessary for a fighter of his class.
As a true Guyanese warrior, he did not give up.  Instead, he persuaded and finally got the opportunity to prove to the world that he did not go to the USA on a joyride or holiday.
In 2001 “Sixheads” stepped into the ring at the MGM Ground in Las Vegas and punched and destroyed the known tremendous power puncher, Games Page for the vacant WBA Welterweight Title, by way of a TKO in the seventh round,
Guyanese present at the fight, those watching on television in the USA and in other parts of the World and of course, those at home who were glued to their television sets at home, clubs, shops, restaurants and where ever it was possible were not disappointed at the sensational victory for a son of the soil.
On February 17, 2001, Andrew “Sixhead” Lewis won Guyana its first ever Boxing World Title.  America and the rest of the world got to know who and what he was and were very impressed.  So impressive was Andrew, that after unanimously defeating Larry Marks, the powerhouse, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, the then WBC Champion backed out of a talked about welterweight unification against the Guyanese.
Andrew Lewis’s victory inspired other Guyanese boxers who went on and emulated their countryman and idol and recorded their names as World Champions including our female boxers, in various categories.
Unfortunately, Lewis’ reign as World Champion ended when through improper management and preparation and incorrect fighting technique, he was stopped by the slugger, Nicaraguan, Ricardo Mayorga.
He attempted a comeback in 2003 but was again defeated, this time by WBO Welterweight Champion, Antonio Margarito in two rounds.  On his return to Guyana and after a few showings, he called it an end to his proud career.
However, it was difficult for him to stay out of the ring and answered a call from Jamaican, Mullings.  Because of illness, he was unable to keep that ring date.
His professional stands at 23-4-3 with 20 KOs.
It was sad that such a boxer with World Class potential was unable to be counted among the all-time Greats.
In his honour the Government constructed a Boxing Gym in the name of ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Gym.
It is with a feeling of sorrow that the NSC expresses heartfelt condolences to yet another outstanding Guyanese professional and wishes him the best on his journey and stay with his Almighty Father.
To his immediate family and friends and the Boxing and sport fraternity we extend our sincere condolences.
May his soul rest in Peace!

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