By James Slater: It has been almost one year since former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster’s last fight. On that occasion, back in July of last year, Brewster was quite easily beaten by IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. After six rounds, Brewster decided he’d had enough of trying to get past Klitschko’s left jab, and quit on his stool. Klitschko, who “Relentless” had brutally beaten in a previous, 2004 encounter, had gotten his revenge. The question now regarding Brewster is, will he fight again?
Now aged 35, and after having had his well documented retina problems, time is running out on the former WBO champ. An intense fighter with a true warrior’s mentality when at his best, the Brewster of the mid-2000s is certainly a heavyweight we could do with today. Who can forget his destruction, not only of Klitschko, but of Andrew Golota and Luan Krasniqi? And what about Brewster’s all-action war with Seguei Lyakhovich? The man born in Indianapolis may have lost that one, closely on points, but what a great fight he gave his fans.
It’s unlikely that Brewster will ever be seen again. Still, if he should fight again, and if he got himself into the best shape possible in doing so, there is a chance Lamon could once again be something of a factor in the heavyweight division. Not having heard a peep out of him since last July, however, it is hard to gauge on just what the 35-year-old has left. Retina trouble is no joke, and it is more than possible Brewster’s eye trouble will make it very hard for him to get back to where he once was. Maybe Lamon’s eyesight is fine right now – but who knows?
If he is able to fight again, it would be strange if Brewster chose not to. After all, practically every notable heavyweight makes a comeback at one point in his career while he’s still young enough – and at 35 Brewster remains young enough. Brewster has had layoffs before – even longer ones that the inactive period he is now having – only to come back to score excellent, not to mention quite unexpected, victories. For example, going into his career-best win over Wladmir Klitschko, Brewster was having his first fight for thirteen months – and we know what happened there.
So perhaps the book should not yet be closed on the career of “Relentless” Lamon Brewster after all. Should he get back in the ring in top fighting shape, the 35-year-old would almost certainly be welcomed back with open arms, that’s for sure.