As a youngster watching legendary pugilists like George Foreman and Roberto Duran battle it out on network television, an enduring passion for boxing was sparked within lawyer and adviser, Hornewer. Little did he know that his admiration for the sport would lead him into the corners of some of boxing’s greatest, including Roy Jones Jnr, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko.
Hornewer first felt the direct impact of the sport during his Little League days when he learned that a teammate’s father who trained boxers had a fighter set to match up with Roberto Duran. According to Hornewer, once the boxer grasped the caliber of Duran, he humorously skipped the country, a tale Hornewer shares with mirth.
The seed of Hornewer’s career was sown while he was a spectator at a training session for Larry Holmes, where he encountered famed promoter Don King. After expressing his future aspirations to become a lawyer, King simply stated, “When you’re a lawyer, give me a call.” Hornewer took that advice to heart, marking the beginning of his intertwining path with boxing.
Hornewer’s professional journey further evolved when he attended the Mike Tyson-Trevor Berbick fight in 1986. It was there he met Matthew Hilton, a Canadian boxer under King’s promotion. He discovered his role in Hilton’s career was limited due to the close bond between Hilton’s father and King, leading Hornewer to step back, acknowledging his own professional limits.
This candidness and understanding of his boundaries contributed to Hornewer’s reputation for integrity and humility. Such traits caught the attention of Steve Brunt who approached him to manage Lennox Lewis after his return from the 1988 Olympics. Hornewer’s involvement in the sport wasn’t limited to legal advice; he absorbed all facets of boxing to better serve those he represented across various capacities, whether as a lawyer, negotiator, or even co-manager.
The attorney emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in his role, often prioritizing a fighter’s health and career longevity over immediate gains. This perspective is vital in a sport where athletes are occasionally unable to recognize when it may be time to retire or step back from a detrimental fight.
Hornewer views his responsibility as foundational to not just managing but genuinely aiding boxers in navigating their careers safely and successfully, aiming to retire them at their best rather than a punch too late. His dedication extends to the point of interrupting fights when necessary to protect the athletes, underscoring his commitment to their well-being.
This focus on the fighters’ welfare persists despite a general waning public interest in the sport itself. The personal admiration and respect for the boxers remain a constant motivation for Hornewer, underscoring his belief that their needs and careers should always be a priority.
Concluding his sentiments on the matter, Hornewer stated, “Bottom line, that’s my responsibility as I see it. To help them achieve their goals.” It’s a testimony to his lifelong dedication to boxing, not just for the love of the sport but for the fighters he serves.
Listeners can delve deeper into discussions about boxing, fighter health, and more on The Fighter Health Podcast, which is available on Substack.
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