MANILA, Philippines — Lehlo Ledwaba, a former South African boxing champion and once an adversary of Manny Pacquiao, has passed away. He was 49.
Ledwaba died from COVID-19 on his way to a hospital Friday (Saturday in Manila), according to Supersport.
Ledwaba turned professional in 1990 and amassed an impressive record of 36 wins with 23 knockouts against six losses and a draw.
He held the IBF super bantamweight title from May 1999 until June 23, 2001 when he suffered a stunning loss to a young Pacquiao, who was making his US debut as a replacement fighter on two weeks’ notice at that time.
The Ledwaba fight served as Pacquiao’s stepping stone to stardom and is regarded …
Keep on reading: Ex-champ, Pacquiao foe Ledwaba dies due to COVID-19–report