Guyana has a rich history in the sport of boxing, producing some of the finest boxers the world has ever seen.
From the legendary Michael Parris to modern-day stars like Keevin Allicock, Guyana’s boxers have consistently punched above their weight, making a name for themselves in the boxing world.
In this article, we will look at some of the best boxers ever to come from Guyana, their accomplishments, and the legacy they left behind.
From the sport’s early days to the modern era, Guyana’s boxing stars have consistently made their mark in the sport, winning titles and inspiring a new generation of boxers.
33 Best Boxing Players in Guyana
Guyana has a rich history of producing talented boxers, and while it’s difficult to rank the “best” boxers definitively, here are 33 notable boxers from Guyana who have made significant contributions to the sport:
1. Desmond Amsterdam
Desmond Amsterdam is a boxer from Guyana. He recently competed in the 2022 South American Games in the boxing competition.
His hard work and dedication paid off as he was awarded the bronze medal in the men’s light heavyweight event.
This is a great accomplishment for Desmond, as it shows that he has the skills and determination necessary to compete at a high level.
He has undoubtedly inspired many other athletes from Guyana and beyond to strive for excellence.
Desmond’s success is a testament to the strength, courage, and dedication that is required to pursue a career in professional sports.
He has set an example for all aspiring athletes, showing that dedication and commitment can lead to great success.
2. Keevin Allicock
Keevin Allicock is a professional boxer from Guyana. He was selected to compete in the men’s featherweight event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Unfortunately, Keevin was eliminated in the first round by Alexy de la Cruz of the Dominican Republic.
Despite the loss, the experience was undoubtedly a positive one for Kevin, as he was able to represent his country on the world’s biggest stage and gain valuable experience. He will undoubtedly use this experience to hone his skills and become a better boxer.
3. Elton Dharry
Elton Felix Dharry is an impressive athlete from Guyana, South America. He is a professional boxer and has been in the sport for many years. In 2019, he had the opportunity to compete for the WBA interim super-flyweight title.
This is a very prestigious title, and it is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Elton Felix Dharry has been a professional boxer for quite some time now. He has had several fights, both in his native country of Guyana and abroad.
He has trained hard and worked on his technique and skills to make sure he is prepared for each bout. His hard work and dedication have paid off, and in 2019, he was given the opportunity to challenge for the WBA interim super-flyweight title.
Becoming the WBA interim super-flyweight champion is a great accomplishment for which Elton Felix Dharry has worked very hard. He has had to train hard and push himself to his limits to be able to get to this level.
It is a testament to his commitment and passion for boxing that he was able to challenge for the title. Elton Felix Dharry is an inspirational athlete and a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
He has set an example for others to follow and is a great role model for aspiring boxers. He is a great ambassador for the sport of boxing and Guyana.
4. Andrew Lewis
Andrew Lewis was a prominent figure in professional boxing. Born in Guyana, he was a Middleweight boxer and was the WBA World Welterweight Champion. He was also a talented athlete, competing in the men’s welterweight event at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
His skills and success made him a celebrated figure in the world of boxing, as he achieved great heights in his sport. He was an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
His success and legacy will continue to live on in the world of boxing and beyond.
5. Andre Purlette
Andre Purlette is a Guyanese former professional boxer who competed in the ring from 1992 to 2009. He was nicknamed “Tombstone” due to his intimidating presence in the ring.
Purlette started his professional boxing career in 1992 and had an impressive start, winning his first 32 bouts. One of his notable wins was against Jimmy Thunder, a veteran fighter with a lot of experience.
However, he eventually lost to another veteran, Jeremy Williams, in 2003. Then, in 2008, he was knocked out by Aaron Williams. After this fight, Paulette retired from professional boxing and has not returned since.
Although his career ended abruptly, he is still remembered among boxing fans for his remarkable start and determination in the ring.
6. Joseph Murray
Joseph Ignatius Murray was a professional boxer with a long and successful career. He was from Guyana and competed from 1987 to 2000. During his time as a boxer, he achieved great success and held the WBC FECARBOX super-featherweight title in 1993.
He was also a protégé of the legendary Guyanese trainer, Maurice ‘Bizzy’ Boyce.Joseph Ignatius Murray was an impressive and talented boxer. During his time in the sport, he competed in various bouts and accomplished many great feats.
He took the WBC FECARBOX super-featherweight title in 1993, which was a testament to his skill and determination.
He also benefited from the guidance and mentorship of the renowned Guyanese trainer Maurice ‘Bizzy’ Boyce. Boyce had a great influence on Murray’s career. He was able to help him hone his skills and develop his technique.
He also provided motivation and encouragement to help Murray reach his goals.
Boyce had a wealth of knowledge and experience that he could share with Murray, which was a great asset to him as he navigated his way to success in the boxing world. Joseph Ignatius Murray was a great example of hard work, dedication, and skill paying off.
His career as a professional boxer was successful, and he made a name for himself in the sport. He reached his goals thanks to the guidance of his mentor, Maurice ‘Bizzy’ Boyce.
Murray’s success was a testament to his commitment and determination, and he will be remembered as one of the sport’s greats.
7. Clive Atwell
Clive Junior Atwell is a former professional boxer from Guyana. He had a successful career that spanned from 2010 to 2015, and he even had the opportunity to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title in 2014.
In addition to his professional career, Atwell also had a successful amateur career, winning a bronze medal as a bantamweight at the 2007 Pan American Games.
His performance at the Pan American Games was impressive, demonstrating his dedication to the sport and ability to perform on a high level.
Atwell has made a name for himself as a talented fighter and will leave a lasting mark on the boxing world.
8. Gairy St. Clair
Gairy St. Clair is an impressive athlete who has made a name for himself in the world of boxing. He is a professional boxer in the junior lightweight division and has achieved impressive success in his career.
He was the IBF World Junior lightweight champion, a major accomplishment in the sport. St. Clair is based in Australia and is being trained by Johnny Lewis. Lewis is a very experienced trainer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the sport.
With his guidance, St. Clair is sure to be able to reach even greater heights in his boxing career. He is certainly an athlete to watch out for in the future.
9. Vivian Harris
Ivan Vivian Harris is a former professional boxer from Guyana with an extensive career spanning over two decades. He made his professional boxing debut in 1997 and competed until 2018.
During his time in the ring, Harris achieved considerable success, most notably winning the WBA Super Lightweight Title in 2002. He held onto the title until 2005, making him one of Guyana’s most accomplished boxers.
Harris showcased his skill and power in the ring, becoming a feared opponent for his opponents. His commitment to the sport was evident, as he dedicated over 20 years of his life to the craft.
Harris was a true champion, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
10. Andrew Murray
Andrew “The Eagle” Murray was a professional boxer from Georgetown, Guyana, who competed in the welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight divisions from the 1990s until the early 2000s.
He achieved notable success during his career, winning the World Boxing Council FECARBOX welterweight title, the South American light middleweight title, and the WBA Federation middleweight championship.
Murray was born in Georgetown and began his professional career as a welterweight in the mid-1990s.
He moved up to the light middleweight division in 1998 and quickly won the South American title. In 2000, he won the WBA Federation middleweight title, which he held until 2002.
In 2001, he won the WBC FECARBOX welterweight title, defeating José Luis Rosario in a split decision. Throughout his career, Murray fought a number of notable boxers, including Randall Bailey, Carlos Baldomir, and Mike Anchondo.
He retired from boxing in 2007 with a record of 26 wins, four losses, and one draw. Murray has since been inducted into the Guyana Boxing Hall of Fame. Andrew “The Eagle” Murray is remembered as one of the most successful boxers in Guyana.
He was known for his determination and strong will in the ring, and his success has inspired many fighters from his home country.
11. Howard Eastman
Howard Anthony Eastman is a former professional boxer from Guyana and the United Kingdom who competed in the sport from 1994 to 2014. He is known for his two title bouts in the Middleweight class.
In 2001, he challenged for the vacant World Boxing Association Middleweight championship but failed to win the title.
Four years later, he had another shot at becoming Middleweight champion when he fought the then-undefeated reigning champion, Bernard Hopkins.
Despite putting up a strong fight, Eastman was defeated. However, his impressive performances in these two bouts earned him a place in boxing’s history books.
12. Egerton Marcus
Egerton Marcus is a former professional boxer hailing from Canada. He was active in the sport from 1989 to 2007.
During his amateur career, he achieved great success, most notably winning a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
This is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to his skill and dedication to the sport. Marcus was a determined athlete who trained hard and made sure to stay focused on his goals.
He took his talents to the professional level, where he continued to demonstrate his boxing prowess. He may no longer be active in the sport, but the legacy he left behind is one that will never be forgotten.
13. Wayne Braithwaite
Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite is a renowned former professional boxer who was born and raised in Guyana. He began his professional boxing career in 1997 and competed until 2012.
During his fifteen-year career, he achieved great success and held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2002 to 2005. Braithwaite was known for his strong and powerful punches during this time, earning him the nickname “Big Truck.”
He was also known for his tenacity and determination in the ring, as he was always willing to go the extra mile in order to win. Braithwaite was a beloved fighter among fans, as his combination of power and skill made him an entertaining and exciting boxer to watch.
Even after his retirement, Braithwaite remains remembered as one of Guyana’s greatest boxers.
14. Troy Ross
Troy Amos-Ross is an accomplished Olympic boxer from Guyana and Canada. In the light heavyweight division, he first stepped into the ring in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing as an amateur, he made a strong impression on the crowd and judges alike.
His success continued in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where he competed in the light heavyweight division again.
He showed great skill and determination in both of these international competitions, and the experience prepared him well for future success in the sport.
His determination and drive to succeed have made him a role model for aspiring Olympic boxers worldwide.
15. Adrian Dodson
Adrian Dodson, also known as Adrian Carew, is a British former Olympic boxer. He was born in Guyana and competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul under the name Adrian Carew.
After the 1988 Olympics, he decided to represent Great Britain in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. During the 1992 Olympics, he competed for Great Britain and successfully made it to the semi-finals, where he was unfortunately eliminated.
Despite his loss, Adrian’s accomplishments at the 1992 Olympics earned him great respect and admiration from the British and Guyanese public.
Adrian Dodson is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, as he overcame adversity by representing two countries in the Olympics. His story inspires all who aspire to reach the highest levels in their respective fields.
16. Shondell Alfred
Shondell Alfred is a Guyanese former professional boxer who had a successful career in the sport. She began her professional career in 1999 and competed until 2010 she retired.
She accomplished many great feats during this time, including becoming the WIBA Bantamweight Champion in 2009.
She held the title until 2010, when she retired from boxing. Throughout her career, Shondell Alfred showed that she was a dedicated athlete who was committed to excellence.
She trained hard and worked her way up the rankings, eventually becoming one of the best female boxers of her era. Her success in the ring earned her many accolades, including the WIBA Bantamweight title. Shondell Alfred’s legacy lives on today.
Her story serves as an inspiration to many athletes, especially those who come from humble beginnings. She showed that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Her career exemplifies what can be achieved when a person puts their heart and soul into something.
17. Michael Anthony
Michael Parris, who is also known as Michael Anthony, is a retired boxer from Guyana. He competed in the bantamweight division at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union.
His hard work paid off when he earned a bronze medal, making history as Guyana’s first-ever Olympic medalist. Michael Parris was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and started boxing at a young age.
His dedication to the sport eventually led him to the Olympics and the chance to make his country proud. He was able to do that by winning the bronze medal, something that had never been achieved before by a Guyanese athlete.
He was an inspiration and a role model to the people of Guyana, showing that hard work and dedication can bring success. Michael Parris is a living legend in Guyana, and his accomplishments are still remembered and celebrated today.
He exemplifies what can be achieved through hard work and determination. His success at the Olympics helped inspire a generation of Guyanese athletes and put Guyana on the map as a nation with the potential to produce Olympic champions.
18. Colin Moore
Colin Moore is a boxer from Guyana who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He participated in the light-flyweight division, which is a weight class with boxers between 108 and 112 pounds.
Unfortunately, his first match at the Olympics was against Róbert Isaszegi of Hungary, and Moore lost the bout. Moore also represented Guyana at the 1987 Pan American Games.
In this event, he faced off against Michael Carbajal of the United States and lost this match. Moore’s losses in the Olympics and Pan American Games demonstrate the difficulty of competing against the world’s top boxers.
Despite his losses, Moore’s participation in these events is a testament to his athletic skill and determination. He showed that he was willing to take on world-class competition and could perform at a high level.
His efforts are an inspiration to aspiring boxers from Guyana and other countries.
19. Charles Amos
Charles Amos is a retired Guyanese boxer who had a successful career in the sport. In 1968, he was chosen to represent Guyana in the middleweight division at the Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, he lost his opening bout to Wiesław Rudkowski of Poland.
Despite this setback, Amos was still proud to have been chosen to compete for his country at the Olympics. He could also further use the experience to improve his technique and boxing skills.
Even though he didn’t win a medal, the experience of competing at the Olympics was invaluable for him. Today, Amos is retired but continues to stay involved in the boxing community. He mentors many younger boxers and is a great example of resilience and dedication.
20. Lennox Blackmoore
Lennox Blackmoore was a professional boxer from Guyana in the 1970s and 80s. He fought in the lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight divisions.
Lennox Blackmoore had a fighting weight that ranged from 132 pounds in the lightweight division to 156 pounds in the middleweight division. He was an accomplished fighter who was respected in the boxing community.
Additionally, Lennox Blackmoore was the uncle of the boxer Shaun George. This connection likely helped Shaun George as he developed as a boxer.
He would have had access to Lennox Blackmoore’s knowledge and experience of the sport and the opportunity to train with his uncle. This familial connection likely helped Shaun George succeed in his career as a boxer.
21. Gordon Carew
Gordon Carew is a boxer from Guyana who competed in the lightweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He made his mark as a successful competitor, representing his home country proudly.
His younger brother, Dillon Carew, followed in his footsteps, competing in the light welterweight division at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
This was a proud moment for the Carew family, as it was the first time two brothers from the same family had represented Guyana at the Olympics.
Both Gordon and Dillon showed immense dedication and commitment to their sport, and their hard work paid off in the form of international recognition.
This is a testament to the talent and passion of the Guyanese people and a reminder of the importance of following one’s dreams.
22. Dillon Carew
Dillon Carew is a former Guyanese professional boxer who competed in the sport from 1992 to 2007. He is most notable for representing his country in the light-welterweight division at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Carew defeated Rafael Romero of the Dominican Republic in his first bout at the Olympics.
Unfortunately, he could not keep the winning streak alive and lost his second fight to Mark Leduc of Canada. Carew’s professional boxing career began in 1992, the same year he competed in the Olympics.
During his fifteen years in the sport, Carew won a total of 27 fights, with 16 of those coming by way of knockout. He also had a total of 8 losses during his professional career. One of his biggest accomplishments was winning the WBA Fedelatin Lightweight title in 1998.
After retiring from boxing in 2007, Carew has since been involved in the business side of the sport, serving as a manager and promoter.
23. George Allison
George Allison is a professional boxer from Guyana who competed in the men’s light middleweight event at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
He was one of the few boxers from Guyana to have ever competed in the Olympic Games, and his participation in the games was a great honor for his country.
In the Summer Olympics, the light middleweight event is a weight division class that requires competitors to weigh between 154-159 pounds. George Allison trained hard to ensure he was in peak physical condition for the event.
He was determined to represent Guyana well in the Olympics and knew that his performance would reflect his country. George Allison’s hard work paid off as he competed in the event with great skill and talent.
Although he did not win a medal, his countrymen greatly appreciated his effort back home. He inspired many young boxers in Guyana, and participating in the Olympics was a source of pride for his nation.
George Allison’s participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics was an important milestone for Guyana’s boxers. His effort and dedication to the sport of boxing are examples to all athletes, and his courage to compete in the Olympics inspires all.
24. Courtney Atherly
Courtney Atherly was a boxer from Guyana who competed in the men’s lightweight event at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Atherly was one of the few athletes from Guyana to compete in the Olympics at that time, and he had a great showing despite the fact that he was up against experienced opponents from around the world.
Unfortunately, he could not advance past the first round, losing to Antonio Gin of Mexico in his first bout. Despite his loss, Atherly is still remembered as one of the most successful athletes from Guyana to have competed in the Olympics.
He is an example of the strength and determination of athletes from Guyana, who are willing to take on the world despite their limited resources and opportunities.
25. Reggie Ford
Reggie Ford was an accomplished boxer from Guyana. He had the honor of representing his country at the 1972 Summer Olympics in the men’s light middleweight event.
Ford also had great success in lower weight classes, winning bronze medals as a light welterweight at both the 1971 Pan American Games and the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games.
His performances in these competitions demonstrate his tremendous athleticism and skill as a boxer. Ford’s success was a source of pride for his country and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
26. Fitzroy Brown
Fitzroy Brown is a talented and accomplished boxer from Guyana. He had the opportunity to represent his country at the 1980 Summer Olympics in the men’s featherweight category.
At the Olympics, Brown was victorious against Abílio Cabral of Angola but was eventually defeated by Luis Pizarro of Puerto Rico. Despite the loss, Brown’s performance was impressive enough to earn him a spot at the 1983 Pan American Games.
During the Games, Brown continued to showcase his skills and dedication to the sport, further cementing his status as a noteworthy representative of Guyana.
27. Junior Ward
Junior Ward was a boxer from Guyana who had the honor of competing in the men’s flyweight event at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Ward was one of a select few athletes from Guyana who attended the Olympics that year, and he was one of the few boxers from South America to compete at the Games.
Ward’s participation in the Olympics was a major accomplishment for him, and it was a milestone in the history of boxing in Guyana. His performance at the Olympics showed the world that Guyana could produce athletes who could compete on the world stage.
It was a testament to Ward’s hard work and dedication to becoming the best boxer he could be.
Ward’s appearance in the Olympics helped put Guyana on the map in the international boxing community, and his accomplishments have inspired aspiring Guyanese boxers ever since.
28. Pamela London
Pamela London was born in Guyana and was a professional boxer from 2003 to 2010. During her boxing career, she challenged for two championship titles in the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF).
In 2004, she contested for the WIBF heavyweight title but was unsuccessful in her efforts. Five years later, in 2009, she attempted to win the same title again but was again unsuccessful.
London’s record of two WIBF title challenges is a testament to her skill and dedication as a boxer. She could never win the championship, but her efforts to keep fighting for it demonstrate her commitment to excellence in the sport.
Despite not winning the title, London is still remembered as one of history’s most accomplished female boxers.
29. Dhanraj Singh
Dhanraj Singh was a Guyanese bantamweight boxer who had a successful career before retiring. He represented his home country at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. During the Games, he competed in the men’s bantamweight division.
Unfortunately, his Olympic journey was cut short in his opening bout against Samuel Mbugua of Kenya. Despite putting up a valiant fight, he was ultimately defeated by a 0-5 decision. This loss marked the end of his Olympic journey and his career in professional boxing.
Despite the setback, Dhanraj Singh will always be remembered as a great Guyanese athlete who showed courage and determination in the face of adversity.
30. Cleveland Denny
Cleveland Denny was a professional boxer from Guyana, formerly known as British Guiana. He was born in Georgetown in 1941 and started boxing in his mid-teens.
Denny became a professional in 1960 and went on to compete in a number of international boxing competitions.
He was known for his aggressive style and powerful punches throughout his career. He was a four-time Commonwealth lightweight champion and also won the British Empire lightweight title in 1965.
He was a fan favorite in Guyana and was often called “The Guyanese Flash.”Denny’s career success was cut short due to a serious eye injury he sustained in 1966. He retired from professional boxing in 1967 but continued to be involved in the sport in various ways.
He was a referee for many fights and a trainer for up-and-coming boxers. Throughout his career, Denny had an impressive win-loss record, with only one loss on his record.
He was respected by his peers in the boxing world and earned a reputation as one of Guyana’s greatest boxers. He was inducted into the Guyana Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing his sports achievements.
31. Patrick Ford
Patrick Ford, originally known as Patrick Forde, was an iconic figure in the world of boxing. He was a celebrated featherweight champion in the British Commonwealth and made history by being the first Guyanese boxer to challenge for the world featherweight title.
Ford faced this challenge twice, and although he ultimately did not succeed, he laid the groundwork for the generations of Guyanese boxers who have followed and succeeded in the sport.
Ford greatly inspired those who admired him, both in Guyanese and international boxing circles.
His commitment to the sport and his ambition to reach the world featherweight title was admirable, and this served as a motivator for the generations of boxers who followed in his footsteps.
He was also credited with recognizing the sport in Guyana and was seen as a leader in his field. Overall, Patrick Ford paved the way for future generations of Guyanese boxers.
His determination, ambition, and drive to reach the world featherweight title provided a model for those following his footsteps.
He was a great inspiration and brought recognition to the sport in Guyana. He will be remembered for his legacy and contribution to the sport.
32. Kenny Bristol
Kenny Bristol was a professional boxer from Guyana who competed in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a light middleweight and middleweight fighter, meaning he competed in bouts with a weight between 153 ¹⁄₄ lbs and 157 ¹⁄₂ lbs.
Bristol’s greatest success in the ring was winning the Commonwealth light middleweight title. This achievement was a huge milestone in his career and cemented his position as a formidable force in the boxing world.
Bristol was known for his tenacity and determination, making him a difficult opponent. He was an inspirational figure, and his success in the ring is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
33. Lennox Allen
Lennox Alleyne, who is more popularly known as Lennox Allen, is a professional boxer from Guyana. He has become a well-known figure in the boxing world due to his impressive career accomplishments.
In 2020, he was challenged for the WBA interim super-middleweight title, an impressive feat considering his relatively young age. Allen has been boxing since he was a young boy and has dedicated his life to the sport.
He has trained relentlessly and worked hard to improve his skills, allowing him to become one of Guyana’s most successful professional boxers.
He has won several national championships and made appearances in several international competitions. His success has earned him numerous accolades, including the WBA interim super-middleweight title.
In 2020, Allen was the favorite to win the title but ultimately lost to the defending champion. Despite the loss, Allen remained undeterred and continued to train and compete.
He has since become a familiar face in the boxing world and is now considered one of Guyana’s best boxers. Allen’s career is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
He has proven that it is possible to achieve great things with enough determination and hard work.
He continues to inspire many people in Guyana and worldwide and exemplifies what can be achieved with perseverance.
Conclusion
The best boxing players in Guyana are those with the greatest amount of skill, dedication, and determination. These boxers train, compete, and develop their skills to the highest level to become the best they can be.
They use their knowledge and experience to learn from their opponents and become the best boxers they can be. These boxers fight with honor and courage and inspire others who want to become champions in their own right.
