Former Boxing Champ Rocky Lockridge on A&E's Intervention

The life and story of former amateur boxing great Rocky Lockridge hit the air last night.

Lockridge was the focal point of the A&E program Intervention. Last night's episode touched on Lockridge's rise through amateur boxing circuits and the drug use that brought him down.

The goal of Intervention is to break down the source of one's addiction and help the individual find the road back to recovery through a surprise intervention of friends and family. Last night, viewers were exposed to all the ills that tarnished a once-great boxing career.

Amateur Great

Lockridge ascended in amateur boxing circuits in 1977. His carer began at the Tacoma Boxing Club, from which four other amateur boxing champions originated.

Lockridge won three significant distinctions in 1977, including the 1977 National AAU Bantamweight title, the 1978 National Golden Gloves Champion at Bantamweight, and the runner-up honors in the 1978 National AAU Championships at Bantamweight.

Pro Career

Lockridge had his first crack at a professional title in 1980 but lost to Eusebio Pedroza in a 1980 WBA Featherweight title fight. He again lost to Pedroza for the same belt in 1983.

However, Lockridge got his belt in February of 1984, when he knocked out WBA Junior Lightweight champion Roger Mayweather in the fight's opening minute.

Lockridge then lost the belt in May 1985 to Wilfredo Gomez in a 15-round decision.

He gained his last belt in early 1988 when he defeated Barry Michael.

Lockridge retired in the early 1990s with a career record of 44-9 with 36 knockouts.

Personal Life

Lockridge was married in the early 1980s and had twin sons in 1984.

He moved back to Tacoma, Wash., in 1991. However, his marriage dissolved a couple of years later, which led Lockridge back to Camden, N.J.—a hotbed of poverty, drug use, and troubled behavior.

Reaching Out

A&E discovered the struggling Lockridge through a letter his son sent to the Retired Boxers Foundation.

Lockridge's son, Ricky, found his father in Camden where he is homeless, poor, and addicted to crack and alcohol while struggling with significant physical ailments. Lockridge had been addicted to crack and alcohol for nearly a decade at the time of the show's filming.

Help from His Friends

Retired Boxers Foundation executive Jacquie Richardson approached A&E about Lockridge's struggles. Lockridge has the support of the Retired Boxers Foundation, as his friend and former training partner Alex Ramos runs the the organization as president and founder.

Moving On

A year later, A&E reported that Lockridge is on the slow road to a successful turnaround. The network reported that Lockridge is a year into his sobriety, is off the streets of Camden, and is reacquainting with his sons.

Former boxing champ Rocky Lockridge is homeless in Camden