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Bisexual boxing promoter makes history

Sun 6 Dec 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback

Hamilton boxing promoter, Lisa Lewis, is hosting a groundbreaking boxing fight night to give boxers opportunities that they might not otherwise have.   The bisexual promoter has taken it upon herself to organise New Zealand’s first major world boxing title bout after unsuccessfully attempting to host a bout on a Duco Boxing Event’s undercard. “I like to give people opportunities,” says Lewis. “I never got that when I tried to get a fight for six years with Duco, they turned me away excuse after excuse… so I decided to promote my own event.” “After Dean Lonergan told me I wasn't famous enough [to host a bout] the following year I became fourth most googled New Zealander - 3rd being All Black Aaron Smith and 5th being UFC legend Mark Hunt,” she says. Lewis was turned down despite being highly viewed on google and gaining over ninety thousand views on a call out video posted on social media, more than any other call out video. One of the few boxing promoters from the LGBTI community, Lewis is making boxing history by arranging the first major world boxing title bout being held on New Zealand soil. The fight night has a strong card with 85% of the card being women, including seven former world champions. Lewis says “The reason I founded Rampage Promotions was to give Boxers and want-to-be Boxers opportunities that other Boxing Promoters were not giving them. “This is why at the Royal Rampage event I have such a strong women card not just because the charity is Women's Refuge, - but because Boxing Promoters tend to ignore female fights yet after the Holly Holm and Rhonda Rousey it's very clear female fighting is here to stay in a BIG way.” It is believed that the world's first gay boxing judge, Benjamin Thomas Watt, will be officiating at the event. “I am very excited for this event as a fan of boxing and a judge. This will be the biggest event that I will have ever officiated at. I know Lisa Lewis has worked very hard to create the event.” Watt says. The main event for the evening will be Wellington’s Gentiane Lupi vs. American Ronica Jeffrey for the vacant WBO World female featherweight title. Tickets are currently on sale at eventfinda.co.nz from $40. Limited tables are still available. Royal Rampage Saturday 16 April 2016 / Trust Arena, Auckland Auckland, New Zealand    

Credit: Benjamin Watt

First published: Sunday, 6th December 2015 - 11:08am

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