Lloyd Hope
Lloyd Eric Hope, an international boxer and four-time Sri Lankan Bantamweight champion, left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan boxing before his passing on 17 June 2019. A proud champion of the Ceylon Navy and a three-time Stubbs Shield winner, Hope's dedication and skill in the ring were unmatched.
Hope honed his craft at St. Sylvester's College, sharing the ring with notable contemporaries such as Malcolm Bulner, Derrick Gunasinghe, Bernard Jansz, and A.C.R. Herathge, under the expert guidance of legendary coach Derrick Raymond. After leaving school, he joined the Navy and represented both the Navy and Defence Services with distinction for many years.
In the mid-1960s, Sri Lanka's Bantamweight scene was dominated by Winston Van Cuylenberg, considered nearly unbeatable. That perception changed dramatically one night at Bambalapitiya Stadium when Hope faced Van Cuylenberg, emerging victorious in a fierce and bruising contest.
Growing up in Asgiriya, Hope's passion for boxing was evident from a young age. His love for the sport continued beyond his competitive years, as he dedicated himself to coaching, nurturing the next generation of pugilists at his alma mater, St. Sylvester's College. Lloyd Hope's legacy is not just in his victories, but in his unwavering commitment to boxing and the countless lives he inspired along the way.