Brewster May Still Be the Best
By Dan Horgan (July 7, 2007) Doghouse Boxing
Just fourteen months ago, thirty-three year old Lamon Brewster had a solid claim of being the best heavyweight in the world. With one of the four major title belts, two consecutive knockouts over top contenders, and a victory over the towering Wladimir Kitlschko to boot, Brewster was riding high as he went into his fourth title defense against Serguei Lyakhovich.

Then it all came crumbling down.

With both men coming out full guns blazing, Brewster and Lyakhovich waged a fistic war that ranks amongst the best heavyweight fights of the twenty-first century. Brewster floored Lyakhovich in the seventh round, but the Belirusian got the better of the action with strong combination punching and a devastating right hand to the body. Although brave in defeat, ‘Relentless’ lost his crown and dropped drastically in the heavyweight rankings. He has yet to fight since that night in April of 2006, and many critics are doubting his chances in his rematch against Klitschko this Saturday night. But before we count out the hard hitting Indianapolis native, perhaps it is best that we take a closer look at his rise and downfall.

Before Brewster lost to Lyakhovich, he was a red hot champion. Despite dropping decisions to Clifford Etienne and Charles Shufford early in his career, Brewster stormed through nine straight opponents (save Kali Meehan, who Brewster edged in a close battle) and looked stronger and stronger as his opposition level increased. He had beaten Klitschko – the recognized top dog in the division today – and destroyed Andrew Golota, who champions Chris Byrd and John Ruiz struggled with greatly. He had gone to Germany to defend his belt against the dangerous Luan Krasniqi, and he had even hired one of the game's top trainers in Buddy McGirt to improve his skill level. Against Lyakhovich, a detached retina in the first round prevented him from seeing Lyakhovich's right hand (which was Lyakhovich's primary weapon in the fight), and Brewster still nearly pulled out a victory.

Had it not been for that early eye injury, Brewster could still be the champion today. Although excuses are a dime a dozen in today's boxing world, and although Lyakhovich was the one who detached Brewster's retina, how can we expect a fighter to throw down with one eye? In Brewster's eyes (no pun intended), he believes that he is not only better than Lyakhovich, but that he should be the favorite coming into Saturday's showdown against Klitschko. After all, before the Lyakhovich loss, he had been victorious for four straight years and nine straight fights, and he had defended his title thrice. Don't be surprised to see a repeat of Brewster's first match with Klitschko (a come from behind fifth round knockout), because Brewster may still be the best.


Questions or comments,
e-mail
Dan at: danhorgan2@gmail.com
Dan's archives at: www.myspace.com/danhorganboxing
© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2007