Cleveland Denny

Denny represented Guyana as a lightweight at the 1976 Olympic games. He did not compete due to his country boycotting the event over the inclusion of New Zealand. Denny technically had a first round bye, and lost to Bogdan Gajda of Poland on a walk-over.

Denny turned pro in 1976, fighting out of Montreal, and remained unbeaten in his first 11 pro fights, including a win over Jean LaPointe in 1977 for the Canadian lightweight title. He lost the belt the following year to Gaetan Hart by split decision. In a 10-round rematch on June 20, 1980, Denny was knocked out with 12 seconds left in the final round. ^[2] Sportswriter David Johnston of the Gazette of Montreal wrote that "Late in the 10th round, Hart caught Denny with an uppercut as he pulled away, and charged in with a series of punches that shook his opponent. By the time Denny had slumped back against a ring post, the 67-year-old referee, Rosario Bailargeon, made a motion to stop the fight, but hesitated. Hart rushed past and hit Denny with about five more punches, sending him to the canvas, his jaw locked on his mouthpiece."^[1]