Lennox Lewis praises the heart of light heavyweight protégé Constantino Nanga

Hall of Fame heavyweight Lennox Lewis has thrown his support behind light heavyweight contender Constantino Nanga and is working with him in an advisory capacity.

Nanga, 12-0 (8 KOs), was born in Angola and fights out of Sweden. Nanga boxes on the February 22 bill in Saudi Arabia – headlined by Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol II – against Englishman Bradley Rea, who is 20-1 (10 KOs).

“I feel like I belong. I’m very happy. With his advice and following his road, I can be successful. I see myself as the champion,” said Nanga. 

Lewis, one of the great heavyweights, said he met Nanga a couple of months ago and he felt the 28-year-old had potential.

“He’s special. I’ve spent some time in the gym with him. He’s got a lot of heart, and you need the heart,” said Lewis. “He wants to be a champion; I’ve seen that in him as well and I’m going to help him do that, reach his success.” 

Rea, who has won six since suffering a defeat to Tyler Denny in 2022, was thrilled with the opportunity to box on the high-profile bill. Rea said he was prepared to take his chance.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here,” said Rea. “I feel like I’ve won a competition, but I’m not here to make the numbers up. I’ve been waiting for a big opportunity, and this is my opportunity. I plan on grabbing the bull by the horns. It ends with me getting my hand raised. That’s all. I bring entertainment every night and I plan on putting on a show.”