Boxing icon Terrence Alli, long regarded as one of Guyana’s greatest fighters, is currently hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital, battling an undisclosed illness.
The boxing community was alerted to the 64-year-old’s condition after a relative shared a post on social media indicating he had gone missing. With the support of family and friends, he was this week located at the capital’s main public hospital.
Alli’s health struggles come alongside financial hardship.
Born Terrence Halley in Calcutta, Mahaicony, on June 26, 1960, Alli made his professional debut in 1979, securing a points victory over Winston Goodridge. Over a two-decade career, he compiled a record of 52 wins (25 by knockout), 15 defeats and two draws.
Although he never claimed a world title, Alli twice held the United States and North American championships, was ranked number one globally, and set a record for most wins aired on ESPN.
He came close to world glory on several occasions — leading on the scorecards before being stopped in the 11th round by Harry Arroyo, losing a narrow decision to José Luis Ramírez, and being halted by Julio César Chávez in a WBC title bout. From 1984 to 1993, he remained a top-10 contender at both lightweight and light-welterweight.
Among his memorable victories were wins over Melvin Paul, Jerry Page, Darryl Tyson and Charles Murray. He also fought to a draw with former world champion Cornelius Boza-Edwards.
Despite never winning a world crown, Alli’s influence on Guyanese boxing is immense. His performances helped elevate the sport locally well before Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis captured Guyana’s first world title in 2001.
