×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Winning IBF belt pinnacle of Lehlohonolo Ledwaba's boxing career

Lehlohonolo 'Hands of Stone' Ledwaba, the former IBF junior-featherweight champion./Veli Nhlapho
Lehlohonolo 'Hands of Stone' Ledwaba, the former IBF junior-featherweight champion./Veli Nhlapho

Today marks 21 years since Lehlohonolo "Hands of Stone" Ledwaba produced an extremely impressive performance to overcome American John Michael Johnson for the vacant IBF junior-featherweight belt at the Carousel in Hammanskraal.

But Ledwaba had to first deal with Arnel Barotillo in an IBF elimination bout on August 28 1998.

"Winning the IBF belt was the pinnacle of my career," said the 48-year-old retired boxer who won three world titles in three weight divisions.

After losing the IBF belt in his sixth defence to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in 2001, Ledwaba won the WBU belt in the featherweight class after defeating Vuyani Bungu in 2002.

"To be the IBF champion proved that I was up there among the best because you know that we did not command such respect as WBU champions because it was not rated among the top-four most respected boxing bodies," said the man who co-promotes boxing with Joyce Kungwane under the banner of TLB Boxing Promotions.

The other sanctioning boxing bodies he is referring to are the WBA, WBC and WBO.

Sadly, Ledwaba's trainer David Kgotsane did not live to enjoy the fruits of his hard work.

He died from lung ailments three weeks before Ledwaba's first defence against Edison Valencia Diaz in the US. Ledwaba dedicated his stoppage win to his fallen mentor.

"His passing on affected me badly. It seemed he felt he was going to die because he gave us training guides and said to me whatever happens to him I must continue with my title defence," said Ledwaba, who roped in respected trainer Mzimasi Mnguni in his corner to assist Tshidiso Manamathela, who was Kgotsane's assistant.

After six more fights, including two defeats to Cassius Baloyi, Ledwaba retired and started training fighters.

"I have gone back to training fighters," said Ledwaba.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.