Lawrence Stevens

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Lawrence "Laurie" Stevens (born February 25, 1913 in Johannesburg , South Africa , † August 17, 1989 in Durban , South Africa) was a South African boxer . He became an Olympic lightweight champion in 1932 .

Career

Amateur career

Laurie Stevens only contested two major international championships as an amateur boxer. At the age of seventeen he started in 1930 at the British Empire Games in Hamilton / Canada. In the lightweight, he defeated it S. Lafosse, Canada and was already in the final battle, which he lost against Freddie Meacham from England on points.

In 1932 he took part in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Again in the lightweight he defeated Jose Padilla from the Philippines, Franz Kartz from Germany, Mario Bianchini, Italy and Thure Ahlqvist from Sweden each on points and thus became Olympic champion.

Profile career

Immediately after his Olympic victory, Laurie Stevens turned professional. In the period from March 3, 1932 (first fight) to July 27, 1946 (last fight) he played a total of 41 fights, of which he won 38 and lost 2, once he fought a draw. Except for one, he fought all of his fights in South Africa. He fought six times for national or international titles. He succeeded in becoming South African light and welterweight champion and Commonwealth (British Empire) lightweight champion. He did not get any major title honors, which was probably because he never boxed as a professional in Europe or America.

After a knockout loss in the 3rd round against the Englishman Eric Boon in Johannesburg on July 27, 1946, he ended his career.

Title fights as a professional boxer

year place title Weight class Result
1933 Johannesburg South African - Transvaal (White) Light Points victory after 12 laps over Les van Rooyen
1933 Johannesburg South African Light Demolition victory in the 5th round over George Purchase
1936 Johannesburg Commonwealth (British Empire) Light Points victory after 12 laps over Jack “Kid” Berg, England
1936 Johannesburg South African Light Techn. Knockout victory in the 4th round over Louis Botes
1939 Durban South African Welter Points victory after 12 laps over Teddy Brown
1945 Johannesburg South African Welter Draw after 12 rounds against Alf James

Web links
personal data
SURNAME Stevens, Lawrence
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Stevens, Laurie (nickname)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION South African boxer and Olympic champion
DATE OF BIRTH February 25, 1913
PLACE OF BIRTH Johannesburg , South Africa
DATE OF DEATH 17th August 1989
Place of death Durban , South Africa