Brewster was in the ring from 1996 to 2010. He was the WBO heavyweight titleholder from 2004 to 2006 and also posted one of the biggest knockout victories in boxing history with a 2004 win over Wladimir Klitschko, considered the best heavyweight at the time, according to Ring Magazine.
“I’m here to inspire you guys so you can do some good things in life as well,” Brewster told the youth gathered to hear his speech. “Today, we live in a world that we need you to be as educated as you can so we can have a better tomorrow.”
Samy Broyles, of BTW, said Brewster’s message was great for the center’s youth.
“They really need to see role models like him, and that gives these kids hope that they can achieve success,” Broyles said.
Mayor Patrick Moeller said the former heavyweight champ has spent some time in the city before coming to the center and his visit had a strong impact.
“He is a super nice guy and he wanted to be here at the center to spread a positive message to the youth of this community and that is what he has done,” Moeller said.
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Hamilton resident Alonzo Wells helped arrange Brewster’s visit and said these types of messages should be heard year-round, not just during Black History Month.
“That is what we are going to try to do,” Wells said as he helped children lift Brewster’s championship belt that was brought to the center. “You can tell how inspiring his visit has been to these kids here.”
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