|
In Loving Memory Of Racheed Lawal
By Brian Mathiasen |
|
 |
November
24th 1996,
Danish
boxing-fans lost a great fighter,
and we who knew him, lost a dear friend. World-class
boxer
Racheed Lawal was only 30 years old when he, one
late night, was
stabbed
to death, while doing his
job as a bouncer on a local Aarhus disco.
Four
years has gone by, since the meaningless killing. It has
been four years with an immense emptiness. Four years with
a void, that sometimes has been difficult to handle, since
Racheed was a role-model to all of us - not just as the excellent
boxer he was - but also as a loving human-being, who cared
warm-heartedly about his beloved Lene, his two children,
and his many friends.
|
I was lucky enough to be one of those friends. Lucky,
because he, in the much to short time we had together, taught
me a lot about love, honesty, friendship and respect for
what really means something in life.
Racheed was a champion. Only coincidence, and in the end
fate, kept him from being a world champion in one of the meaningful
federations. His impressive record pointed in one
direction only: The top. To this day, I'm convinced that
had he had the optimal training conditions, for his fight
against WBO world champion Manning Galloway in 1991, he
would have become the new world champion.
|
Racheed had been away from the ring for almost two years,
when fate caught up with him, in a tragic and unfair way.
He was seriously on his way to a comeback, as he still had
plenty |
|
of ambitions, and his splendid understanding of
boxing and brilliant technique was still widely known and
missed by boxing-fans. Racheed had just returned from a
training camp in America, where he had rebuilt his usual
top-form. His training in Denmark was based in the local
boxing-club Aarhus AK (Now AABK), where Racheed still
brings out plenty of memories. One of those who recollects
Racheed with great fondness is Allan Vester (Pictured with
Lawal) - who often
acted as Racheeds sparring-partner.
Racheed was born
December 4th 1965 in Freetown, Sierra
Leone. Seven years of age, he came to Denmark and started
boxing when he was sixteen. An impressive amateur career
with 73 wins in 78 contests, made the foundation for
Racheeds pro career which began in 1986. As a professional
he had 30 fights, with 25 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw. In December
of 1988 he became European jr. lightweight champion. |
 |
Twice
he defended that title, before loosing it to Frenchman
Daniel Londas at a show in Aarhus in 1989. He captured
another European title, this time at lightweight, in April
of 1994, where his right hand made an impact - 4th round
KO - against Poul Burke, but Racheed lost the title in December
of the same year, in Paris against Jean Babtiste Mendy.
That was his last fight.
Racheed
is gone, but he will always be remembered. Words can not
describe the feelings I have concerning his meaning and
importance as a friend and human being.
Racheed Lawal:
Born: December 4th - 1965 in Free Town, Sierre Leone
Died: November 24th - 1996 in Aarhus, Denmark
Amateur fights: 73 Wins - 5 Losses
Danish Champion: 1984-85-86
Nordic Champion: 1983
Click HERE,
for Racheed Lawals Professional record.
|