Latest update April 7th, 2025 12:08 AM
Pictorial boxing archives for launch today
Officials and other affiliates of the local boxing community are expected to converge at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym, Independence Boulevard this afternoon when former National and Continental of Americas welterweight
champion, Michael Benjamin, joins with Presidents of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Steve Ninvalle and Peter Abdool respectively, to launch the nation’s first (pictorial) boxing archives.
Past boxing legends, the likes of Patrick Forde, Lennox Buckles, Lennox Blackmore, Kenny Bristol and the myriad of ‘punchers’ that have institutionalized the sport locally are expected to be displayed for posterity in what Mr. Benjamin said will be of archival value to the nation at large.
He said that the idea for the facility germinated about two years ago following discussions with businessman and boxing enthusiast, Maurice Pyle, who lives in close proximity to the gym. It was these discussions that have ignited the passion in Benjamin’s breast that has been responsible for today’s launch.
Guyanese boxers have laid a firm foundation and during the seventies they were most productive. Notwithstanding, it was not until 2001 when Lewis broke the jinx after demolishing James Page to take the WBA World Welterweight title. Afterwards several other (local) pugilists emulated the feat and solidified Guyana’s position on the world boxing platform.
Further, Guyanese boxers have won Commonwealth, CABOFE, Fecarbox and Latin America titles among others. Benjamin said that such data should be made available for the benefit of those pugilists currently blazing the trail, if only to enhance their knowledge and act as motivational factors. Boxing pundits may also find such a facility useful for historical data.
“I’m speaking of such legends as Patrick Forde, Lennox Beckles, Lennox Blackmore, Kenny Bristol and the myriad of ‘punchers’ that have institutionalized the sport locally,” Benjamin said.
“The museum will depict the photos of a wide cross section of boxers, past, present and even those deceased. Later on the collection will include coaches (past, present, alive and dead) as well as other affiliates that have contributed to the development of the sport,” asserted Benjamin.
Already, photos of several local pugilists have been mounted including ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, Gary St Clair, Wayne Braithwaite and Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore. The females consist of Gwendolyn O’Neil, who is a five-time world champion, and current world champion, Shondell Alfred.
Administrators will also be acknowledged and President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool and the GBA President, Steve Ninvalle will be depicted for their efforts.
Several corporate entities and individuals have contributed handsomely to the project including Ramchands’s Auto Sales, Claude Raphael’s Real Estate, German’s Restaurant, Dr. Max Hanoman, Abdool and Abdool’s Insurance Brokers, Eddy Grant, Oasis Waters, Joe Harmon, John Fernandes Ltd, Brydens and Brydens, Modern Optical and Kaieteur News.
Last Friday afternoon, Mr. Benjamin visited the Betterverwagting office of Ansa McAl where Senior Executive, Troy Cadagon committed to a sum to complete the project. The former pugilist extended gratitude to his benefactor while pointing out the importance of the donation. The ceremony will get underway at 13:00hrs today.
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