Getting “Connected” with the Ex-Heavyweight Champ
Former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster (35-6, 30 KOs) has been through a lot during his career as both an amateur champ and a professional world titlist.
From his hardscrabble youth in Indianapolis to his problems with notorious boxing promoters to his career-ending eye injuries, the man known as “Relentless” in the ring has experienced all the highs and lows of the sport he truly loves.
The highs? How about being the very last man to knock out the universally-feared Wladimir Klitschko?
The lows? How about four painful botched eyes surgeries?
He is now desperately awaiting a cornea transplant for his clouded left eye.
And then there’s all the rocky stuff in between.
Yes, the sweet science is a harsh and heartbreaking sport he has lived through, suffered through, and one he knows all too well. Not only has he shed blood for victory, he has also lost an eye while fighting for glory. The ultimate sacrifice in a prizefighting career he chose. But now the former WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion is choosing to help others in the fight community, hoping to build on this brotherhood of boxers he will always be bonded to with his brand new “Fighting Connection” network.
His passion is now focused on assisting and supporting others in the fight game.
If you have never met the hulking heavyweight, you might be intimidated at first sight. With his imposing stature of over 6′ 2″, the towering slugger does a convincing job of looking fierce and fearless. He is both, of course. But as I’ve learned Los Angeles-based puncher is also one of the most sincere, friendly, and yes, one of the nicest athletes I’ve ever met.
I’ve had the chance to get to know the boxer at various boxing events, charity functions and press conferences in and around town. We both attended a gala fundraising event hosted by female fighter Mia St. John. During this night, I got a chance to chat exclusively with the Indiana-born boxer at length. Since then, every time I see him, he is always upbeat, positive and bursting with hope and optimism.
This wasn’t always the case. He admits that after suffering through those multiple eye surgeries and waiting for the cornea transplant, he descended into a dark world of depression. With the failed operations, Lamon’s spirit reached rock bottom. But with his warrior mentality, he has rebounded and has found a new purpose and a new direction.
“I’m not bitter, I’m a very spiritual man,” the 38-year-old told me. “So now I’m going down a new path, a new avenue to assist others.”
Brewster lends a helping hand to combat dog fighting and also takes part in many community events to inspire children.
He’s now hung up his gloves after his last fateful bout in January 2010 against Robert Helenius in Germany in which his eye troubles were severely exacerbated.
The former world titleholder tells me of horrible situations he found himself in as a boxer fighting overseas, of dealings with shady and unscrupulous promoters (that probably comes as no shock to anyone), and hazardous “dirty tricks” that he feels were aimed at him during his career.
You could forgive him if he was contrite, angry or bitter, jaded or weary of staying in–and supporting–the fight game.
But the ex-slugger, who knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in their first battle, is counterpunching the negative aspects of the sport by building goodwill in boxing circles.
With not a trace of bitterness, Brewster has been gung-ho about launching a brand new organization and web site dedicated to all those involved in boxing and combat sports. As founder and president of this “Fighting Connection” network, he’s hoping to create a support system and social network for easier access in connecting people.
“It’s for fighters to find local gyms, sparring partners to work with, cornermenand more,” Lamon tells me. “It’s also where promoters, managers, ring card girls can interact. Everyone can sign up for free and connect all in one place.”
The San Fernando Valley resident reveals several humorous stories about the hijinks–and mishaps–he experienced as a young pug. When you’re on the road, boxers don’t always have local sparring partners, gyms, or cutmen to enlist. What if you’re new to the area? Or what if you’re in town for two weeks and you need a place to train? Well that’s what his “Fighting Connection” hopes to accomplish–a network where boxing aficionados can interact and connect with each other while fulfilling the fighters’ needs. “One stop shopping.”
The heavyweight is very passionate about offering this service through his site.
Brewster promises with a smile, “We’re going to be doing our formal launch very soon.”
He smiles a lot these days.
At last weekend’s event with the Burbank Boxing Club, the towering heavyweight was a huge hit at the party. Flanked by his beautiful wife, Juana, I met their three children, Shaniah, Shyla, Lamon Jr. decked out in their “Fighting Connection” T-shirts. Lamon also has an older daughter. As a former Golden Gloves champ and a silver medalist in the 1995 Pan Am Games, the beaming heavyweight was an inspiration to the young amateurs in attendance.
Brewster usually wears dark shades to cover his maimed left eye but on this bright and sunny day he went without sunglasses. His discolored eye is obviously damaged beyond repair but the kids and teens he met at the celebration didn’t even notice. All they saw was this former champ’s broad smile, hearty handshake and an openness to offer young amateur boxers advice, words of encouragement or a knowing fist pump.
It could’ve been so easy for Lamon to head down a different road, especially after suffering through so many debilitating setbacks. I often wonder why some athletes go down a path of despair and destruction through booze, drugs or reckless behavior while other champs pick themselves up off the canvas and go on to make a difference, a positive move to help themselves and others?
What is it about Lamon Brewster that didn’t cause him to completely fall off the deep end?
“I’m just blessed,” the humble boxer says, shaking his head. “I’ve got a great family and I’m truly blessed. Now I want to help others.”
Boxing has enough “black eyes” and negativity lurking around. The haters are always gonna be popping up and coming out of the woodwork.
Here’s one pugilist who’s choosing to offer a positive aspect of our sport. Spread the word.
While his own career was cut short by horrific eye injuries, Brewster wants to strengthen the boxing fraternity through his new and exciting “Fighting Connection.”
A strong and devoted family man, a deeply spiritual soul and a boxing loyalist till the end, “Relentless” Lamon Brewster refuses to quit.
He will keep fighting the good fight–and he will now fight to help others.
Spread the word.
For more info: www.fightingconnection.com
Photos by Michele Chong