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Lamon Brewster

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Lamon Brewster
Brewster in 2011
Born
Lamon Tajuan Brewster

(1973-06-05) June 5, 1973 (age 51)
Other namesRelentless
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Reach77 in (196 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights41
Wins35
Wins by KO30
Losses6
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  United States
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 1995 Mar del Plata Heavyweight

Lamon Tajuan Brewster (born June 5, 1973) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2010. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title from 2004 to 2006, and is best known for scoring an upset knockout victory over Wladimir Klitschko to win the vacant title. Brewster was ranked by BoxRec as the world's eighth best active heavyweight at the conclusion of 2004.[1]

As an amateur, he won the U.S. national championships in 1995, and a silver medal at that year's Pan American Games, both in the heavyweight division. Following his retirement from the sport in 2011, Brewster became an entrepreneur and founded a consulting business.

Amateur career

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Brewster won the 1995 U.S. national amateur championship as a heavyweight. Additional highlights include:

Professional career

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1996–2003: Prospect to contender

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Brewster turned professional in 1996 and was undefeated for his first three years as a pro until losing decisions to Clifford Etienne and Charles Shufford in 2000.

2004–2005: WBO heavyweight champion and title defenses

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On April 10, 2004, Brewster faced Wladimir Klitschko in a fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization championship that had been vacated by Corrie Sanders, who had upset Klitschko by knocking him out in the second round of their fight in 2003, when he decided to challenge Vitali Klitschko for the World Boxing Council title vacated when Lennox Lewis retired.

Brewster was dominated in the early going, knocked down once in the fourth round. In the fifth round, Brewster hurt Klitschko with a left hook that forced the Ukrainian fighter to use the ropes to hold himself up, which resulted in a knockdown. As the round ended, Brewster hit Klitschko with a combination of punches that caused him to go down after the bell sounded. Seeing Klitschko struggle to return to his feet, referee Robert Byrd stopped the fight and awarded a technical knockout victory to Brewster. Klitschko claimed foul play resulted in his defeat but an investigation found nothing.

For eleven years, Brewster remained the last boxer to defeat Klitschko in the ring, until Tyson Fury defeated Klitschko in a 2015 heavyweight fight. Brewster remains the second last boxer to knock Klitschko out in a bout, preceding Anthony Joshua, who won by TKO on the 11th round defeating Wladimir Klitschko on 30 April 2017.[2]

2006–2007: Brewster vs. Liakhovich and Klitschko II

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Brewster lost his WBO title by unanimous decision on April 1, 2006 to Sergei Liakhovich from Belarus in an action-packed fight. In an interview following the fight, Brewster said that he could not see with his left eye after the first round. It was later confirmed that he had suffered a detached retina in his left eye and he had to undergo surgery.

Lamon Brewster returned to the ring on July 7, 2007, losing his rematch against Wladimir Klitschko after trainer Buddy McGirt stopped the fight after the sixth round. The fight took place in Köln (Cologne), Germany, for the IBF & IBO heavyweight title.

2008–2010: Tail end of career

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After two tune-up bouts, he was upset by Gbenga Oloukun by an eight-round points decision. The following year he was stopped by rising contender Robert Helenius. At one point in his career, Brewster was managed by The Simpsons co-creator, professional poker player and philanthropist, Sam Simon,.[3][4] Later Brewster left Simon and signed with manager Al Haymon.[4][5]

Retirement

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On January 9, 2011, Lamon Brewster officially announced his retirement as a professional boxer.[6] Brewster cited an eye injury from his last fight with Helenius as the reason for this retirement. Further, he indicated that he believes that Helenius tampered with his gloves which caused the resulting injury to Brewster. He underwent four unsuccessful surgeries to restore sight in his left eye.[7] After further surgery, his vision began to improve.[8]

Personal life

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From 1993–97 Brewster was married to actress Tichina Arnold (of Martin and Everybody Hates Chris fame). Brewster remarried his current wife "Juana" Brewster in October 2000, and together they have two daughters and a son. Brewster also has one older daughter from a previous relationship. He is also the cousin of former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Chris Byrd. Brewster has made several television appearances as well as public service announcements through his career.

Entrepreneurship

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Brewster founded "Fighting Connection Consulting" in July 2011 providing expertise to professional fighters on training methods, psychology, nutrition, conditioning, team building, and publicity.

Professional boxing record

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41 fights 35 wins 6 losses
By knockout 30 2
By decision 5 4
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
41 Loss 35–6 Robert Helenius TKO 8 (10), 2:31 Jan 30, 2010 Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg, Germany
40 Loss 35–5 Gbenga Oloukun UD 8 Aug 29, 2009 Gerry Weber Stadion, Halle, Germany
39 Win 35–4 Michael Sprott UD 8 Mar 14, 2009 Ostseehalle, Kiel, Germany
38 Win 34–4 Danny Batchelder KO 5 (12), 1:10 Aug 30, 2008 Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. Won vacant NABA heavyweight title
37 Loss 33–4 Wladimir Klitschko RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Jul 7, 2007 Kölnarena, Cologne, Germany For IBF and IBO heavyweight titles
36 Loss 33–3 Siarhei Liakhovich UD 12 Apr 1, 2006 Wolstein Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Lost WBO heavyweight title
35 Win 33–2 Luan Krasniqi TKO 9 (12), 2:48 Sep 28, 2005 Color Line Arena, Hamburg, Germany Retained WBO heavyweight title
34 Win 32–2 Andrew Golota TKO 1 (12), 0:52 May 21, 2005 United Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Retained WBO heavyweight title
33 Win 31–2 Kali Meehan SD 12 Sep 4, 2004 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBO heavyweight title
32 Win 30–2 Wladimir Klitschko TKO 5 (12), 3:00 Apr 10, 2004 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBO heavyweight title
31 Win 29–2 Joe Lenhart TKO 3 (10), 3:00 Mar 1, 2003 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
30 Win 28–2 Tommy Martin TKO 3 (12), 2:03 Dec 14, 2002 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained NABO heavyweight title;
Won vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title
29 Win 27–2 Willie Chapman TKO 6 (10), 1:32 Jul 27, 2002 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
28 Win 26–2 Nate Jones TKO 3 (12), 1:10 Feb 2, 2002 Sovereign Center, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won vacant NABO heavyweight title
27 Win 25–2 Joey Guy TKO 1 (10), 1:44 Oct 25, 2001 Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, California, U.S.
26 Loss 24–2 Charles Shufford UD 10 Oct 21, 2000 Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
25 Win 24–1 Val Smith TKO 1 (8), 2:02 Sep 24, 2000 Silver Smith Casino, West Wendover, Nevada, U.S.
24 Loss 23–1 Clifford Etienne UD 10 May 6, 2000 Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Richard Mason UD 10 Feb 26, 2000 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
22 Win 22–0 Quinn Navarre KO 1 (10), 2:12 Sep 17, 1999 All American Sports Park, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Mario Cawley KO 2 (8), 1:20 May 22, 1999 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 Marcus Rhode TKO 1 (8), 2:06 Oct 3, 1998 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Everett Martin TKO 4 Aug 15, 1998 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Louis Monaco KO 2 (8), 3:00 Jun 14, 1998 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Garing Lane UD 10 May 16, 1998 Bank of America Centre, Boise, Idaho, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Marselles Brown KO 4 Mar 23, 1998 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Artis Pendergrass TKO 1 (6), 2:11 Feb 28, 1998 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Biko Botowamungu TKO 5 (8), 0:20 Jan 9, 1998 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Tony LaRosa TKO 1 (10) Dec 20, 1997 Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella, California, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 John Kiser UD 8 Nov 20, 1997 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Aaron Conway TKO 1 (6), 2:24 Aug 8, 1997 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Cleveland Woods RTD 2 (8), 3:00 Jul 11, 1997 Tropicana Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Willie Johnson TKO 2 Apr 8, 1997 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Mark Johnson KO 1 (6), 2:03 Mar 6, 1997 Convention Hall, Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Tim Knight KO 1 Feb 6, 1997 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Trent Surratt KO 1 (6), 1:52 Jan 31, 1997 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Ronnie Smith TKO 3 (6), 0:30 Jan 9, 1997 Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Fabian Meza KO 1 (4) Dec 28, 1996 Irvine, California, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Greg McGhee KO 2 (4), 2:28 Dec 17, 1996 National Guard Armory, Pikesville, Maryland, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Sean Fink KO 1 (4) Nov 29, 1996 Civic Center, Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Moses Harris KO 1 (4), 1:21 Nov 8, 1996 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Heavyweight Annuals". BoxRec. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  2. ^ "The blow that spun Klitschko's head around and gave Joshua the world heavyweight title". abc.net.au. April 30, 2017.
  3. ^ "Sam Simon's profile". Sam Simon Foundation. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011.
  4. ^ a b "What we know about Al Haymon: Part 2". The Ring Magazine.
  5. ^ Bishop, Greg (December 17, 2011). "Behind the Scenes, Haymon Is Shaking Up the Fight Game". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "BOXINGTALK : LAMON BREWSTER RETIRES". Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  7. ^ "Brewster Announces Retirement". Boxing News. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013.
  8. ^ Pointer, By Michael. "Former heavyweight champ Lamon Brewster returns to Indy to inspire boxers: 'Sure you can make it. I had nothing but Long's Bakery and White Castle.'". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 17, 2024. He said he has lost track of how many surgeries he's had since, but the eye is improving.
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Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Derrell Dixon
U.S. heavyweight champion
1995
Next:
DaVarryl Williamson
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Andre Purlette
NABO heavyweight champion
February 2, 2002 – April 10, 2004
Won world title
Vacant
Title next held by
Lance Whitaker
Vacant
Title last held by
Jameel McCline
WBC Continental Americas
heavyweight champion

December 14, 2002 – March 2003
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Saúl Montana
Vacant
Title last held by
Friday Ahunanya
NABA heavyweight champion
August 30, 2008 – March 2009
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
David Rodriguez
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Corrie Sanders
WBO heavyweight champion
April 10, 2004April 1, 2006
Succeeded by