Lennox Lewis may have terrorised the heavyweight division during his pomp two decades ago, but he has since become a firm friend and supporter of South Africa.
The three-time world heavyweight champion will make his second visit to South Africa in less than a year when he makes a guest appearance at the “Amanqobi” tournament at Emperors Palace in October as a special guest of Golden Gloves.
In the years since he fought in South Africa, in 2001, Lewis has struck up a friendship with Rodney Berman to the extent that he actively wants to run his eye over local talent, chief among them Ricardo Malajika and Shervantaigh Koopman.
Expectations are that he will also take a look at rookie heavyweight Juan Alberts, the Ryno Liebenberg protégé who has drawn comparisons with Martin Bakole and George Foreman for his size and style. He will also spend time at Brian Mitchell’s Edenvale gym, size up Damien Durandt’s stars and get to see featherweight prodigy Sanele Sogcwayi, whose professional bow next month is eagerly awaited.
Lewis is planned to arrive in the days preceding the tournament, which is headlined by Koopman’s WBA Intercontinental title bout against Brandon Cook of Canada (where Lewis lives), and spend his time in prominent local gyms. With Sunday also dedicated to a boxing tournament featuring prospects, Lewis will again be in attendance.
“As two-time lineal heavyweight champion, Lennox is boxing royalty and we are thrilled to have him so interested in South African boxing,” said Berman. “He’s done it all, and continues to do good for the sport wherever he goes.”
