Former world title challenger Hedgemon Lewis has passed away at the age of 74. Lewis was a 2-time amateur national champion and a very good pro. He later became an accomplished trainer. His sister Georgia just posted his passing on Facebook. Hedgemon was born in Greensboro, Alabama, and last year was inducted into the Alabama Boxing Hall of Fame in the Amateur Boxer category. He was unable to attend due to health problems, which he had for several years. He compiled a pro record of 53-7-2 with 26 KOs and fought for the world welterweight title three times, losing twice to WBA/WBC champion Jose Napoles, and to WBC champion John Stracey in his final fight. R.I.P.
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Hedgemon Lewis was a very skilled boxer. I once did an article on him after having a conversation with him. He was in style what Ray Leonard would later show. January Fighters was his sponsor who also had Walter Moore, a heavyweight. The sponsors were Bill Cosby, Ryan O’Neal and two others. He won a partial title and gave Napoles a good fight in their first encounter.
In 2018 the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame inducted Hedgemon Lewis. We were honored to have his friends & family present at our event, the DNA of a great boxer, who many believe defeated Jose Napoles in his first shot at the welterweight title. I saw his LA debut in the mid-1960’s, a one punch KO over Phil Garcia in an Olympic Auditorium prelim. He quickly rose to the top of the top ten 147 pound contenders in boxing. Rest in Peace Hedge!
Top ’70s welterweight Harold Weston once paid Hedgemon the highest compliment, saying he was his best opponent. He said, “When you missed, he made you pay. And that’s the mark of a skilled fighter.”
Hedgemon, was a real gentleman in and out of the ring. He was a fantastic Boxer and he could punch. He always had a smile on his face and spoke well of others. May GOD Bless his family and welcome him into Heaven!
R.I.P. champ. Helluva’ fighter and a nicer cat. Enjoyed watching him and Thell Torrence (another great guy) at the Hoover St. Gym.
A skilled, well schooled stylist. Poetry in motion. May he rest in peace.
You have to have seen him fight, boy I remember when they put him on Micky Davies Olympic Boxing on KTLA channel 5. If you want to see a fight look up Hedgemon Lewis vs Ernie “Indian Red” Lopez. He was never in a bad fight…RIP Buddy….