`Lewis kicked down the door that said world champions only, no Guyanese allowed’
Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis, Guyana’s first world boxing champion and one of the nation’s iconic sports figures, was laid to rest during a tearful home going ceremony yesterday.
Lewis, described during the service as one of the nation’s ‘greatest sons’, was remembered as a hero, a role model, a loving father and a ground-breaking sportsman.
“He took a pair of boxing gloves and beautifully painted a lasting portrait in Guyana’s history.” said president of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool.
“Lewis kicked down the door that said world champions only, no Guyanese allowed.”
Around 1200 guests attended the public ceremony held at the Parade Ground before Lewis was taken through his native Albouystown before interment at the Le Repentir Cemetery.
Lewis, 44, succumbed after he was hit by a motor car while riding a cycle on the public road at Good Hope, East Bank Demerara last Monday.
However, the father of five looked at peace, clad in a red shirt and off white suit in his polished flag-draped casket.
Reverend Michael Perreira who delivered a stirring sermon mentioned that “There is no such thing as an untimely death, Andrew lived and fulfilled his purpose.” Perreira who also offered condolences to Lewis’ family however added that “Andrew is absent from this body, but he is present with God.”
Delivering the eulogy was ‘Sixhead’s oldest daughter, Omalesa Lewis. After thanking those in attendance for showing support to the Lewis
family, she delivered an overview of the life of the celebrated pugilist.
Lewis was most remembered for a seventh round stoppage of American, James Page on February, 17, 2001 in Las Vegas to win the WBA welterweight title, the nation’s first.
During his professional career which spawned 15 years (1993-2008), the skillful southpaw compiled a record of 23 wins, four losses and two draws with 20 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
The fallen hero’s funeral occurred on the same day APNU/AFC (the coalition parties he supported) was declared winner of the national elections, somewhat overshadowing his home going.
However, Lewis’ legacy lives on as Emily Potter famously stated “Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.”(Emmerson Campbell)
Mourners viewing the remains of Guyana’s first world boxing champion, Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis yesterday at the Parade Ground. (Orlando Charles photo)
