Lehlo Ledwaba vs Manny Pacquiao in 2001. FIGHT SCREENGRAB
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 as one of the Filipino ring legend’s finest performances throughout his decorated career.
Ledwaba would’ve turned 50 on July 27.