Cree fighter has high hopes

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A 23 year-old Cree from Hobbema, Alta. has been honored with the Barney O'Connor Boxer of the Year Award for "displaying exemplary character, courage and boxing ability."

Canadian Cruiserweight champion Willard Lewis (also known as Red Thunder Rock) was presented with Alberta boxing's most prestigious award on Dec. 7.

The honor comes a highly successful year after his return to Alberta from the American southwest. While in the United States, Lewis worked under such world-renowned trainers as Eddie Mustafa, Jerome Coffee, Steve Delgado and Danny Carbajal. Their influence was more than apparent to Alberta boxing fans when Lewis returned home.

Barney O'Connor was an outstanding boxer, coach, manager, promoter and referee who passed away in 1991, but devoted more than 50 years to the sport and was viewed as one of Canada's best referees.

Lewis wants a match with former Albertan Dale Brown, the North American Boxing Federation champ who's ranked sixth by the World Boxing Council. Lewis firmly believes he can put Brown away.

Harold Burden, an occasional cornerman for Lewis, is high on him and claims, "he'll fight anyone, anytime, anywhere" and that includes Brown among others. Problem is, explained Burden, "he hasn't had the right promotion yet."

The promising young fighter has attracted the attention of Lou Duva, who handles the likes of world champion Evander Holyfield. If Lewis becomes available in the near future, Duva is ready to accept him at his training camp in Florida. Lewis' supporters think that is what he needs to climb the ladder towards a title.

"I want Willard to get the best trainer, but there just aren't any in Edmonton," said Burden. "I'd really like to see him under Duva . . . pick up a few more fights, then go after higher rankings and a title shot."

What Lewis needs, he added, "are opponents who are better than what's here and are world ranked."