MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Manny Pacquiao pays tribute to his opponent in his 2001 US debut, saying Lehlo Ledwaba left an ‘amazing legacy’
Boxing legend Senator Manny Pacquiao took to social media on Saturday, July 3, to mourn the passing of South African slugger Lehlo Ledwaba, who died at just 49 years old due to COVID-19 complications.
“So sad to hear the passing of Lehlo Ledwaba! He was a true champion in and out of the ring and left behind an amazing legacy. RIP champ!” wrote the eight-division world champion.
Prior to his retirement in 2006, “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba amassed a professional record of 36 wins (23 KOs), 6 losses, and 1 draw, including a 23-fight winning streak from 1993 to 2001.
Ledwaba then saw his eight-year undefeated streak end at the hands of an up-and-coming Pacquiao, who powered his way to a Round 6 TKO victory in his US debut for the IBF super bantamweight title on June 23, 2001.
Pacquiao gained massive career momentum and worldwide recognition after this win, and soon started his legendary “Mexecutioner” streak against current and future Hall of Famers like Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales.
As for Ledwaba, he only fought seven more times since his loss to Pacquiao, winning thrice and losing four times in that span.
He formally stepped away from active competition after a Round 9 corner retirement loss on November 24, 2006 to Ghanian southpaw Maxwell Awuku (44-4-1, 30 KOs).
According to RingTV, he transitioned as a fight gym manager and promoter back home in South Africa after hanging up the gloves for good at just 34 years old. – Rappler.com
