The Beltway Boxing scene and, in particular, the State of Maryland lost an icon today. If you ever boxed or, yes, wrestled in Maryland, you knew Lou Leavey. You also respected and loved Lou Leavey.
Mr. Leavey passed away today after a long illness. He was 90 years old. Prior to his career in boxing, Mr. Leavey served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a boxing coach at the Central YMCA in Baltimore. What many don't know about Mr. Leavey is that he trained and co-managed former world middleweight champion Terry Downes of England. Downes won the world championship in London in 1961.
Mr. Leavey joined the Maryland State Athletic Commission in 1985 and was serving on the commission at the time of his passing. Mr. Leavey was one of the inspectors and helped conduct the drug testing for all participants.
Lou came off as kind of a curmudgeon to some folks but he was a really nice person. Lou served as mentor to many and was a really nice person to talk to. As word has filtered through social media about his passing, we already know he will be truly missed.
11 comments:
Lou will truly be missed. Thanks for all you did in support of area boxing. Rest in peace my friend.
Fight Doctor (J. Spears)
Lou Leavey was one of a kind -- tough and a little gruff, but as decent and as fair as a man there can be. He will be truly missed by the boxing and wrestling communities alike.
Maryland boxing has lost one of its strongest advocates and most vocal supporters. He will be missed.
Lou Leavey was one of the most active members, and strongest supporters, of International Boxers Association Ring 101 in Baltimore. His efforts and energy will be difficult to replace.
Really nice and gentle person! He is truly missed by many
RIP Lou. you were one of the Good Guys
Tom Rothe
Nice article Gary. He was my mentor. I will miss Lou, the last time he worked with me was at the WWE 6/2013 I called him 3 days after the show & he told me he wasn't coming back he had all these health issues. I stayed in contact with him to the end. He called me a week before he died & wanted me to let everyone know that he wasn't a quitter that he was a fighter. But he was like a fighter that kept getting beat round after round and he was done fighting. Lou please rest in peace buddy.
My hope is that when he is laid to rest that they do it at 5:30.
That's "FIVE THIRTY"
There will always be imitators, but there will only be one Lou.
Lou had his rules but he also had a big heart. While he was decidedly firm, he possessed a great sense of humor which softened the edges. Lou was special.
The sun rises, the sun goes down. The tide comes in, the tide goes out. A boxing weigh-in in Maryland is held, and there is always Lou sitting at the Commission table waiting to license the next boxer. Some things are just a natural occurrence.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.. Everyone loved Lou, he was definately one of a kind. He can rest in peace knowing Bryan is doing an excellent job in his absence. I will miss him greeting me with a hug and a kiss and saying " Hey BabyDoll How are you?"
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