Friedman, Leonard

Lionel Leonard Friedman

An outstanding South African boxer in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Friedman was the National cruiserweight champion from 1991-1993.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. January 1, 1962

Career Highlights:
Friedman began his career in 1987 and fought Reginald Manzingane to a four-round draw on May 9 in his first professional fight. He fought four more times that year, winning all four fights, including a first-round TKO of Manzingane in their rematch on July 19. Over the next four years, Friedman won five of nine fights (two losses and two draws) before getting a shot at the South African cruiserweight title. In April 1991, he fought champ Freddie Rafferty and won the title on a 10th-round technical knockout.

Although Friedman lost his next fight to Thulane Malinga in a 10-round decision in August 1991, he retained his championship because it was a non-title bout. The following year, he had his first title defense against Ginger Tshabalala and kept the crown when the bout was judged to be a draw. In 1993, his final year of professional boxing, Friedman lost the title in May to Freddie Rafferty (whom he had defeated to win the title) in a 12-round decision. He fought once more, beating Lucas Strydom in July, before retiring with 11 wins in 19 career fights.

Origin:
Johannesburg, South Africa

Physical description:
6'1"

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 11 (8 by knockout)
Losses: 5
Draws: 3

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