Lennox Lewis has spoken out about his former promoter’s announcement that he has decided to undergo a sex-change operation.
Maloney, who worked with Lewis when the boxer won the world heavyweight title, revealed earlier this week that he has been living as a woman under the name Kellie. Speaking about the 61-year old’s announcement, Lewis released a statement on Facebook which reads: “I was just as shocked as anyone at the news about my former promoter and my initial thought was that it was a wind-up.
“The great thing about life, and boxing, is that, day to day, you never know what to expect. This world we live in isn’t always cut and dried or black and white, and coming from the boxing fraternity, I can only imagine what a difficult decision this must be for Kellie.
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“However having taken some time to read Kellie’s statements, I understand better what she, and others in similar situations are going through. I think that all people should be allowed to live their lives in a way that brings them harmony and inner peace.
“I respect Kellie’s decision and say that if this is what brings about true happiness in her life, than so be it. #LiveAndLetLive.”
Maloney has received an outpouring of support following the announcement, with many believing that his courage in coming out as a transgendered individual after making his name in such a male-dominated area will lead to more doing the same.
However, Maloney’s previous homophobic statements that he made whilst working as a UKIP candidate were also brought back into the spotlight. Back in 2004 when Maloney stood as the UKIP candidate for London mayor, he said: “I’m not homophobic but in public let’s live a proper moral life – I think that’s important.
“I don’t think they [gay people] do a lot for society. I don’t have a problem with gays, what I have a problem with is them openly flaunting their sexuality.”
Photo: Getty Images
