Thrice world welterweight title challenger Hedgemon Lewis has passed away today at the age of seventy four.
An elegant, skilled box-puncher, Hedgemon began boxing aged twelve. He won the Golden Gloves lightweight title and the welterweight title, then turning pro in 1966. Managed by January Fighters Incorporated, and also by Eddie Futch during his decade long career, Hedgemon won his first twenty two fights. He fought the cream of the division along the way including Ernie “Indian Red lopez” Harold Weston, Billy Backus and Carlos Palomino. Hedgemon lost a close decision when challenging WBC/WBA champion Jose Napoles, and in the return was stopped.
In his last bout, which was against John H Stracey, at the Empire Pool Wembley, London he put up a brave fight, but was also stopped. John H today paid tribute to Hedgemon saying: “Hedgemon was such a nice man, a very tough opponent and exceptionally clever with his footwork.” This concluded a magnificent, exciting and memorable career of fifty three wins, seven losses and two draws including twenty six KO`s.
Hedgemon became a much admired trainer working with Eddie Futch and then with Freddie Roach. He was inducted into the Alabama Boxing Hall of Fame and the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
The WBC Family and its President Mauricio Sulaiman, as well as the entire Boxing Family, sent their deepest condolences to Hedgemon`s family and many friends. A sad time, but such wonderful, vivid and poignant memories of a superb fighter and a marvelous man, which will be cherished forever.