ONE death that somehow didn’t get recorded was that of fine featherweight, Percy Lewis, who passed away in October at the age of 91. I’m grateful to London EBA member Robert High for giving me the news, and Percy was included in the Minute’s Silence at LEBA’s January meeting.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Percy turned pro with the legendary Jim Wicks (who of course guided Henry and Jim Cooper, amongst others). He had 30 bouts in all, winning 19 and drawing one. He met some of the best, twice going the distance with future world champion Hogan “Kid” Bassey of Nigeria – the second time was a challenge for Bassey’s Commonwealth title, and Lewis had the champion down in the 10th round. After Bassey relinquished the title, Lewis won the vacant belt by halting Charlie Hill in 10 rounds. He successfully defended against future champion John O’Brien, of Scotland, but lost to Ghana’s Floyd Robertson, whom he had previously beaten in a non-title bout. He boxed in Europe and Africa, as well as the UK, signing off in 1962 after dropping a 10-round verdict to another quality Ghanaian, Joe Tetteh, in Accra. After retiring he became coach for the Oxford University team. He was also a LEBA member for many years. In paying tribute to him, President Stephen Powell described him as “quiet and unassuming – a gentleman.”