IBF World Super Bantamweight Champion Lehlo Ledwaba Dies in South Africa at Age 49

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Gauteng, South Africa (July 6th, 2021)– Former International Boxing Federation World Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Benedict “Lehlo” Ledwaba of Meadowlands, Gauteng, South Africa, who held the IBF world title between 1999 and 2001, died on July 2, 2021, at age 49 of COVID-19.

Between 1990 and 2006, Ledwaba had a record of 36-6-1 with 23 knockouts. Ledwaba won an IBF eliminator bout, then fought in six consecutive IBF super bantamweight world championship fights. On June 23, 2001, Ledwaba was topped in the sixth round and lost his title to Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, his only title bout outside of South Africa.

Ledwaba recorded two comeback wins, but was unsuccessful twice against Cassius Baloyi in attempts to win the International Boxing Organization World Super Featherweight title in 2004 and 2005, losing both title bouts by 12 round decision. After a comeback win in April 2006, Ledwaba retired following a ninth round stoppage loss to Maxwell Awuku in November 2006 for the World Boxing Association Pan African Super Featherweight title. In recent years, Ledwaba worked as a boxing trainer with up and coming amateur and professional prospects.




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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].