Alex Stewart Dead at 52: A Look Back at an Exciting & Classy Heavyweight
I am saddened to report the untimely passing of 52 year old former heavyweight contender Alex Stewart of London who gave the sport thirteen years of memorable battles in a see/saw career that capped off at 53-10, 40 KO’s. A terrific boxer who was perhaps too game for his own good and could be coached into brawls when he had an abundance of talent to avoid unnecessary punishment. While some of his losses prevented, a title shot the “Destroyer” gave fans their money’s worth with his initial run of promise as he reeled off 24 straight victories all by knockout.
The momentum ended against Evander Holyfield who stopped him in eight entertaining rounds where Holyfield was just approaching his prime. He went 3 for 3 in his next six fights which included stoppages at the hands of Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer. His next bout against Big George Foreman would define his heart as well as his career. In what was probably worst robbery of the year, Alex beat George silly all night long behind heavy jabs and one/two combos that left the big man literally disfigured when scorecards were read. The next day HBO staffers, writers, and fans alike were calling for Foreman’s retirement.
The fight propelled Stewart back on the comeback trail as fought on going 11-1 losing only a decision to Holyfield in a rematch. It’s a shame he didn’t hang up his gloves at that point and call it a career after giving it all he had for ten years. Alex fought nine more times being stopped in four of his five losses to several contenders of the day who used the win as a steppingstone.
He will be missed…
Ringside Report extends our condolences to the Stewart Family in their time of grief.
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