Ronald “Butch” Lewis
NOBODY AS UNIQUE LIKE BOXING PROMOTER “BUTCH” LEWIS
Philadelphia, PA– Best known for getting Michael Spinks more money ($12.5 million) than the “frugal” former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion could ever spend for fighting Mike Tyson, promoter Ronald “Butch” Lewis has died at the age of 65 due to a heart attack ether late Friday or early Saturday. Although he was a sharp businessman, Butch had a propensity to unnecessarily shoot his mouth off, which on certain occasions would also shoot himself in the foot.
PUT SPINKS IN WITH FAVORED HOLMES & MADE HISTORY
When Michael Spinks had signed to fight Larry Holmes, people were saying that Spinks had no chance, especially seeing historically no light heavyweight had ever been successful in winning the heavyweight championship prior. But defying the odds and the size advantage Holmes had, Spinks, weighing 205 lbs. beat Holmes via 15 round decision. In the rematch, Holmes beat Spinks convincingly and was “burned” by the Las Vegas judges in what was a clear Holmes victory.
BOTH BUTCH & JOE FRAZIER LIKED THEIR LIQUOR
When Butch’s last heavyweight of note, Vaughn Bean, a lazy, fat, unmotivated fellow, fought Evander Holyfield after a series of lackluster fights. Butch was loud and powerful enough to get an undeserving challenger if there ever was one, a second title scrap, this after failing with Michael Moorer. The fight took place in Atlanta, GA, and the night was marred by Butch, working Bean’s corner with ex-heavyweight champ Joe Frazier, being drunk and hurling obscenities towards the referee or anybody else who crossed him.
BUTCH MADE LOTS OF MONEY
Many fighters accused Butch of taking more money from them than he deserved, or was entitled to. In closing, Butch Lewis was a character that be best described as a guy who made a lot of money, flaunted it, and had little regards, some say respect, for anybody outside of his inner circle. That being said, Rest In Peace, Butch!
Pedro Fernandez