The Johnny
Lewis Cup
An amateur boxing event honouring the legacy of Johnny Lewis — Australia's greatest boxing trainer. One night. Real fights. The legacy continues.
Who was Johnny Lewis?
1944 — 2025
Johnny Lewis is recognised as Australia's greatest boxing trainer. Across four decades he coached world champions, Olympians and countless amateurs — building careers on discipline, footwork and a deep respect for the craft.
The Johnny Lewis Cup is our way of honouring that legacy — bringing amateur boxing back to the community he gave so much to.
- 01Head coach to six world champions across four decades
- 02Trained Jeff Fenech to three world titles in three weight divisions
- 03Guided Kostya Tszyu through his professional championship career
- 04Head trainer of the Australian Amateur Boxing Team — 1988 Seoul Olympics
- 05Order of Australia Medal (OAM) — 2006
- 06Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame — 2006
Six world titles.
One coach.
From Jeff Fenech's three-weight world championship run to Kostya Tszyu's unification of the light welterweight division — the fighters who carried Johnny Lewis's craft to the top of world boxing.
- 01Jeff Fenech3× World Champion
IBF Bantamweight, WBC Super Bantamweight, WBC Featherweight
- 02Kostya TszyuUndisputed Light Welterweight Champion
WBC, WBA & IBF unified titles
- 03Jeff HardingWBC Light Heavyweight Champion
Two-time world title holder
- 04Gairy St. ClairIBF & IBO Super Featherweight Champion
World title won in South Africa
- 05Billy DibIBO Super Featherweight Champion
First world title under Lewis, 2008
- 06Virgil HillWBA Light Heavyweight Champion
Regained title while training at Newtown
The Lewis timeline
John Alfred Lewis born 18 March in Bankstown, raised in Erskineville.
Began training at Newtown Police Boys Club aged 13 under Snowy MacFadyen and Jack Blom.
Aged 17, appointed head trainer of the Newtown PCYC boxing club.
Cornered Phil McElwaine to middleweight gold at the Edmonton Commonwealth Games.
Jeff Fenech turns professional under Lewis after captaining Australia at the '84 Olympics.
Appointed head trainer of the Australian Amateur Boxing Team for the Seoul Games.
Guided Kostya Tszyu's rise to undisputed light welterweight champion of the world.
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal and inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Respect, discipline and hard work. That's the craft.
Event program
- 015:00 PMDoors open
Arrive early to grab a seat ringside.
- 025:30 PMWelcome & tribute
A short tribute to Johnny Lewis and the trainers who carry his legacy forward.
- 036:00 PMAmateur bouts begin
A full card of amateur boxing matches across multiple weight classes.
- 04LateCup presentation
The Johnny Lewis Cup awarded to the standout fighter of the night.
Doyle Boxing Club,
Sylvania
The event runs out of our home gym — a working boxing club in the heart of Sylvania. Limited capacity. Get there early for the best view.
/ Step in
Ready to throw your first punch?
No contracts. No excuses. Just boxing. Book a trial class or grab the timetable and drop in.
Start your trial
No contracts · First class free · All ages · Sylvania NSW