On September 29th, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz was inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s 2023 class of honorees in the “Special Contributor” category for his “extensive contributions to the boxing industry.” Lewkowicz was honored at a glitzy ceremony, along with legendary fighters such as his former fighter Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, Paul Williams, and James “Buster” Douglas, among others. Other special contributor inductees included journalist Randy Gordon, trainer James McGirt and matchmaker Eric Bottjer.

 

Having given his life to the sport over the last three decades, Lewkowicz has handled the careers of dozens of champions and been credited with discovering several of the sport’s breakout superstars, including Manny Pacquiao, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, Sultan Ibragimov, David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez, Jeison Rosario, Jorge Barrios, Chris John, Michael Katsidis, and champion siblings Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora.

 

The Uruguayan promoter also kept a very special relationship with the late former IBF lightweight champion Leavander Johnson and stood vigil at Johnson’s bedside for a week when he was fatally wounded in a 2005 title defense. Before his death, Johnson credited Lewkowicz’s efforts to arrange his title-winning TKO over Italy’s Stefano Zoff as having helped him become a “complete man.”

 

Lewkowicz also served as matchmaker and site coordinator for countless Atlantic City events televised on USA Network’s legendary Tuesday Night Fights and has gone on to promote several more AC shows on ShoBox: The New Generation and ESPN Friday Night Fights.

 

“I am honored to be acknowledged by the Atlantic City Hall of Fame,” said Lewkowicz. “Atlantic City is where many of my fondest memories in boxing have occurred and I thank the Hall for their valued recognition.”