Edinburgh has been home to many talented individuals. Actors and singers, athletes and architects, politicians and scientists – all subsequently became well-known and respected thanks to their work.
Lewis Benson can quite rightly be counted among them. He forged a career as a professional boxer, with his most active period falling between 2015 and 2019. More at iedinburgh.
Interestingly, Lewis’s boxing journey began very successfully in amateur sport. Notably, he won four Scottish national titles between 2012 and 2015, all while still an amateur.
Despite sport literally bursting into Benson’s life and transforming him into a true champion, Lewis eventually became completely disillusioned with boxing, leading to the end of his career.
But let’s take things one step at a time.
Early Years and Bullying
The future sportsman was born on 2 December 1991 in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, Lewis’s early years were marred by bullying. The reason was his skin colour, as he was born to a Scottish mother and a Nigerian father.
It is not difficult to imagine the hardships the boy endured at school. Moreover, during his primary school years, he was the only mixed-race child. Consequently, racist insults and numerous unpleasantries became an integral part of young Benson’s daily life.
The boy became fascinated with boxing and expressed a desire to pursue the sport seriously.
Amateur Sportsman
Thus began Lewis’s journey to Meadowbank Amateur Boxing Club. He was only 13 at the time, and his first mentor was former Scottish champion Mark Geraghty.
It was his coach who spurred the young man on to great achievements. He attained the status of Scottish National Youth Champion, and, of course, this brought his first medals.
Further Developments
In 2010, a new phase began in Benson’s sporting life when he joined Lochend Amateur Boxing Club.
It must be said that upon joining this club, Lewis managed to achieve even greater results. Notably, between 2012 and 2015, he won titles, becoming a four-time Scottish champion.
A Productive Year
Overall, 2012 was a very productive year for Benson. Besides winning a Scottish title, he also participated in the Great Britain Championships, where he won a gold medal.
Furthermore, it was in 2012 that Lewis made the fateful decision to suspend his training as an electrician. Instead, the young man wanted to devote all his attention to preparing for The 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Career Progression
From this moment, Benson’s activity intensified. By early 2013, he had secured his second national title. He also moved up a weight category, which allowed him to participate in the 2013 World Championships held in Kazakhstan.
Unfortunately, however, Lewis suffered a defeat in the preliminary round.
In contrast, the 2014 national championship proved successful for Benson. He defeated his opponent, Connor Law, in the final.
Interestingly, Benson had to face Connor Law again in the ring for the right to represent Scotland at The 2014 Commonwealth Games. He was victorious once more.
Unfortunately, during the Games themselves, Lewis was unable to win; his opponent proved stronger.
Turning Professional
In 2015, Lewis’s sporting journey reached a new level. It was then that he was fortunate enough to sign a contract with MTK Scotland. This meant that Benson transitioned from an amateur to a true professional.
His debut fight in this new capacity took place in September 2015, ending in a victory for Lewis. Many more tournaments followed.
A Serious Injury
It should be noted that in March 2017, after defeating his opponent Marek Laskowski, Benson was severely injured. The back injury proved very serious, and the sportsman required hospitalisation. It was then that Lewis first wondered if he would ever be able to return to his sport. Fortunately, however, after a seven-month hiatus, the boxer was able to continue his career.
On Setbacks
As is well known, any sporting path cannot consist solely of victories. Defeats also occur, and often they are necessary to fully appreciate success.
And, of course, to identify weaknesses that need to be worked on.
As for Benson, his first defeat occurred on 30 June 2018, when he lost to Johnny Coyle.
Five months later, the boxer faced another setback. This time, Lewis lost to Tyrone McKenna.
Moreover, after this fight, the sportsman announced his intention to end his sporting career.
A hiatus followed, and no new fights involving Benson took place.
Back in the Ring
The boxer’s return to the ring occurred on 22 March 2019. This event proved very successful for Lewis, as he won his fight against Zoltan Szabo. Another success followed when Renald Garrido also lost to Benson.
An Unexpected Setback
Furthermore, October 2019 was successful for Lewis in that he officially became a participant in The Golden Contract. This tournament is known to be very important and prestigious among boxers, as victory, among other things, secures a two-year, five-fight contract with MTK Global.
However, success very quickly turned into a setback. It affected Benson so profoundly that this time he definitively decided to end his career.
Everything was proceeding according to plan, and the sportsman was due to compete in the tournament. But right before the fight, representatives of The British Boxing Board of Control withdrew him, citing medical reasons.
Thus, Lewis Benson is a worthy example of how to fight against external circumstances, no matter what. The extensive bullying in his childhood forged a strong character in him, which later helped him determine his future career.
And, of course, his inner strength allowed the boxer to achieve significant success and make a name for himself as one of the most capable sportsmen born in Edinburgh.