Lennox Lewis

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Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE (born 2 September 1965) is a retired boxer and the last undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship. As an amateur he won gold representing Canada at the 1988 Olympic Games after defeating future heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe in the final. Lewis is regarded by many as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and as also the greatest British fighter of all time.[2][3]

Lewis turned professional in 1989, winning his first 21 fights before he knocked out Donovan Ruddock in 1992 to take over the number one position in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings. He was declared WBC heavyweight champion in December 1992 after Riddick Bowe was stripped of the title. Lewis lost the title to Oliver McCall in 1994 but defeated McCall in a rematch to win the vacant WBC title in 1997. He defended the title four times before becoming the Lineal Champion when he beat Shannon Briggs by knockout in 1998. He became undisputed champion when he defeated Evander Holyfield in November 1999. In 2001 he was knocked out by Hasim Rahman, but again avenged the defeat in a rematch to regain his titles. After defeating Mike Tyson by knockout in 2002 and stopping Vitali Klitschko in 2003, Lennox Lewis retired from boxing in 2004, having beaten every opponent he ever faced in professional competition.

Lewis is 6 feet 5 inches (196 centimetres) tall and has an 84-inch (213 cm) reach. During his boxing prime, he weighed about 245 pounds (111 kg). Lewis often referred to himself as "the pugilist specialist."

Early life

Lewis was born on 2 September 1965, in London, England to Jamaican-born parents.[4] At birth he weighed 10 pounds 10 ounces (4.8 kg), and was given the name Lennox by the doctor, who said he looked like a Lennox.[5] Lewis moved to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada in 1977 at the age of 12. He attended Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute for high school, where he excelled in Canadian football, soccer and basketball.[6] In the 1982–83 school year, he helped the school's AAA basketball team win the Ontario provincial championship.[7][8]

Amateur career

Lewis eventually decided that his favourite sport was boxing. He became a dominant amateur boxer and won the world amateur junior title in 1983.[9]

At the age of 18, Lewis represented Canada as a super heavyweight at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He advanced to the quarter-finals, where he lost a decision to American Tyrell Biggs, the eventual gold medalist.

Lewis chose not to turn professional after the Olympics, and instead fought four more years as an amateur, hoping for a second chance to win a gold medal. At 1986 World Amateur Boxing Championships, he lost in the preliminary round to Petar Stoymenov of Bulgaria.[10] After winning several more amateur titles during those years, he travelled to Seoul, South Korea for the 1988 Summer Olympics and achieved his goal. In the gold medal match, Lewis defeated future world champion Riddick Bowe by a second round referee stopped contest (RSC). He was Canada's flag bearer at the Games' closing ceremony.[11]

Professional boxing career

Having achieved his goal, Lewis declared himself a professional and moved back to his native England. He claimed he had always considered himself British,[12][13][14] but many British fans regarded him as "a Canadian at heart and a Briton for convenience."[15] In 2015 Lewis explained “When I turned pro, I had to go to the United Kingdom in order to pursue my career. The infrastructure to develop boxers wasn’t in Canada then."[16]

He signed with boxing promoter Frank Maloney and his early professional career was filled with knockouts of journeymen. After he signed with American promoter Main Events,[citation needed] he won the European heavyweight title in 1990 against Frenchman Jean Maurice Chanet. In his next fight in March 1991, Lewis won the British title against undefeated, world-ranked Gary Mason, and in April 1992 won the Commonwealth title against Derek Williams.

Lewis was a top-five world heavyweight. He defeated former WBA heavyweight champion Mike Weaver, 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Tyrell Biggs, former world cruiserweight title holders Glenn McCrory and Osvaldo Ocasio, and journeymen Levi Billups and Mike Dixon.

WBC champion

On 31 October 1992, Lewis knocked out Canadian Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in two rounds for the number one contender's position in the WBC rankings. It was Lewis' most impressive win to date, and established him as one of the world's best heavyweights. Sportscaster Larry Merchant declared, "We have a great new heavyweight."

The win over Ruddock made Lewis the number one contender for Riddick Bowe's heavyweight championship. Bowe refused to face Lewis, and held a press conference to dump his title in a trash can and relinquish it. On 14 December 1992, the WBC declared Lewis its champion, making him the first world heavyweight titleholder from Britain in the 20th century.

Lewis defended the belt three times, defeating Tony Tucker, whom he knocked down for the first time in Tucker's career, and he followed this with knockout victories over Frank Bruno and Phil Jackson. The Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno fight was the first time two British-born boxers fought for a version of the world heavyweight title in the modern era.[17]

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Further information: Lennox Lewis vs. Donovan Ruddock, Lennox Lewis vs. Tony Tucker, Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno, and Lennox Lewis vs. Phil Jackson

Loss to McCall

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall

Lewis lost his WBC title to Oliver McCall on 24 September 1994 in a huge upset at the Wembley Arena in London. In the second round, McCall landed a powerful right hook, putting Lewis on his back. Lewis gained his feet at the count of six, but stumbled forward into the referee in a daze. Referee Jose Guadalupe Garcia felt Lewis was unable to continue and ended the fight, giving McCall the title by technical knockout. Lewis and others argued the stoppage was premature and that a champion should be given the benefit of the doubt.[18] They also contended that Garcia, a Mexican referee working for the Mexican-based WBC, had been persuaded by promoter Don King to end the fight early if the opportunity arose, to bring back the heavyweight title to his promotional stable.[19]

After the fight, Lewis decided he needed a new trainer to replace Pepe Correa, who had become increasingly difficult to work with. Correa denounced Lewis in public after being fired. Renowned trainer Emanuel Steward, who had been McCall's trainer during their fight, was Lewis' choice. Even before the fight with McCall, Steward had seen much potential in Lewis and immediately expressed a desire to work with him. He corrected several of Lewis' technical flaws, which included maintaining a more balanced stance, less reliance on his straight right hand, and a focus on using a strong, authoritative jab; the latter of which would become a hallmark of Lewis' style throughout the rest of his career. Their partnership lasted until Lewis' retirement, both having mutual praise and respect for each other to this day.[19]

Regaining the WBC title

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Lionel Butler

In his first comeback fight Lewis was given a chance to fight for the mandatory challenger position within the WBC and won it by knocking out American contender Lionel Butler. However, at the behest of promoter Don King,[citation needed] the WBC bypassed him and gave Mike Tyson the first chance at the title recently been won by Briton Frank Bruno from Oliver McCall. Bruno had previously lost to both Lewis and Tyson.

Lewis had the number 1 contender's slot in the WBC rankings when he knocked out Australian Justin Fortune, then defeated former WBO Champion Tommy Morrison in October 1995, followed by Olympic gold medallist and former WBO champion Ray Mercer in a close majority decision in May 1996. Lewis successfully sued to force Tyson to make a mandatory defence of the WBC title against him or force him to give up the title, winning a four million dollar settlement from promoter Don King. Rather than fight Lewis, Tyson relinquished the WBC title to fight Evander Holyfield. The WBC title was declared vacant. This set up a rematch between Lewis and McCall, who met on 7 February 1997 in Las Vegas for the WBC title.

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall II

In one of the strangest fights in boxing history, McCall (having lost the first three rounds) refused to box in the fourth and fifth rounds. He then began crying in the ring, forcing the referee to stop the fight and award Lewis the victory and the title. As newly re-crowned WBC champion, Lewis successfully defended the title during 1997 against fellow Briton and former WBO world champion Henry Akinwande, who was disqualified after five rounds for excessive clinching. Lewis then met Poland's Andrew Golota, whom he knocked out in the first round. Lewis retained the WBC world title in 1998 when he knocked out lineal champion Shannon Briggs in five rounds (Briggs had recently outpointed George Foreman in a controversial fight to win the lineal title), and beat formerly-undefeated European champion Željko Mavrović from Croatia in a 12-round unanimous decision. Lewis stated in 2006 that his fight with Mavrovic was the most awkward win of his career.[20]

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Further information: Lennox Lewis vs. Tommy Morrison, Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer, Lennox Lewis vs. Henry Akinwande, Lennox Lewis vs. Andrew Golota, Lennox Lewis vs. Shannon Briggs, and Lennox Lewis vs. Željko Mavrović

Lewis vs. Holyfield

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Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis

On 13 March 1999, Lewis faced WBA and IBF title holder Evander Holyfield in New York City in what was supposed to be a heavyweight unification bout. Lewis fought a tactical fight, keeping Holyfield off balance with a long jab and peppering him with combinations almost at will. Although most observers believed Lewis had clearly won the fight, the bout was declared a draw, to much controversy. The raw statistics of the fight suggested the bout belonged to Lewis, who landed 348 punches compared to Holyfield's 130. Lewis also out-jabbed Holyfield 137 to 52.[21] Judge Eugenia Williams, who scored the fight in Holyfield's favour, said she saw Lewis land fewer punches than Holyfield.[22]

Lewis vs. Holyfield II

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Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis II

The sanctioning bodies ordered a rematch.[23] Eight months later in Las Vegas (13 November 1999), the two men fought again in a more open and entertaining contest than the original fight, with the two boxers having some heavy exchanges from rounds 6 to 9. The punch stats however still clearly favoured Lewis who landed 195 punches to Evander Holyfield's 137 punches, although interestingly Lewis landed 119 power shots and 76 jabs, showing a definite shift in his tactics from the first fight when he focused more on the jab. This time around the 3 Judges did score the fight unanimously (115–113, 116–112 & 117–111) all in favour of Lewis who became undisputed heavyweight champion of the World. The British public voted Lewis the 1999 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.[24]

Reign as Undisputed Champion

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Main articles: Lennox Lewis vs. Michael Grant, Lennox Lewis vs. Francois Botha, and Lennox Lewis vs. David Tua

After Lewis defeated Holyfield the WBA ordered Lewis to defend the title against John Ruiz of Puerto Rico, then an obscure Don King fighter who had been made the WBA's #1-ranked contender. The WBA gave permission for Lewis to fight his WBC mandatory Michael Grant first if he would fight Ruiz next, which Lewis agreed to. Opposed to this, Ruiz's promoter challenged this decision in court on the basis of a clause in the Lewis-Holyfield rematch contract that said Lewis's first bout as undisputed champion would be against the WBA's number one contender. Lewis was therefore to be stripped of his WBA belt if he fought Grant first. It was because of this that the WBA instated its "Super Champion" title, giving unified titleholders who also hold a WBA belt more time to defend against mandatory challengers.[citation needed]

Lewis proceeded to fight the 6 ft 8 inch American Michael Grant who he considered the best contender available. He successfully defended his WBC, IBO & IBF titles against Grant with a second round knockout victory in Madison Square Garden in April 2000.

Later that same year Lewis knocked out South African Francois Botha in two rounds in London, before winning a 12-round decision against New Zealander and IBF mandatory opponent, David Tua in Las Vegas.

Lewis vs. Rahman

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman

On 21 April 2001, Lewis was knocked out by 15-to-1 underdog Hasim Rahman in a bout in South Africa. Prior to the bout, Lewis had a role in the film Ocean's Eleven in which he "boxed" against Wladimir Klitschko.

Lewis vs. Rahman II

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Main article: Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis II

Lewis immediately sought a rematch with the new champion; however, Rahman, now being promoted by Don King, tried to secure another opponent for his inaugural title defence. Lewis took Rahman to court to honour the rematch clause in their contract. Rahman was ordered to honour the clause and give Lewis a rematch in his first title defence. While promoting the rematch with Rahman on ESPN's Up Close, the fighters got into a brawl[25] similar to the one between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in front of Howard Cosell on Wide World of Sports. Lewis regained the title on 17 November by outclassing and then knocking out Hasim Rahman in the fourth round of their rematch.

Lewis vs. Tyson

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson
File:Lewis-Tyson.jpg
The Lewis-Tyson fight was one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in years.

On 8 June 2002, Lewis defended his title against Mike Tyson. Ticket sales were slow because they were priced as high as $2,400, but a crowd of 15,327 turned up to see boxing's then biggest event at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. Tyson also had to pay Lewis $335,000 out of his purse for biting him at the news conference to announce the fight, which was originally scheduled for 6 April 2002 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas, however, rejected the fight because of Tyson's licensing problems and several other states refused Tyson a license before Memphis finally bid $12 million to land it.

Many had hoped the fight would be a classic turned out to be one-sided as Lennox used his jab and superior reach to score a dominant knockout victory over "Iron Mike." By the end of the seventh round Tyson was tired and sluggish, his face swollen and his eyes cut. He was knocked out in the eighth by a right hook. After the fight, George Foreman declared, "He [Lewis] is, no doubt, the best heavyweight of all time. What he's done clearly puts him on top of the heap."[26] This was the highest-grossing event in pay-per-view history, generating $106.9 million from 1.95 million buys in the US, until it was surpassed by De La Hoya-Mayweather in 2007.[27]

Lewis vs. Klitschko

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Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko

In May 2003, Lewis sued boxing promoter Don King for $385 million, claiming that King used threats and bribery to have Tyson pull out of a rematch with Lewis and a fight on the card of a Lewis title defence.

Lewis scheduled a fight with Kirk Johnson for June, but when Johnson suffered an injury in training, Lewis fought Vitali Klitschko, the WBC's No. 1 contender and former WBO champion. Lewis had planned to fight him in December, but since Klitschko had been on the undercard of the Johnson fight anyway, they agreed to square off on 21 June. Lewis entered the ring at a career high 256½ pounds.[28] Lewis was dominated in the early rounds and was wobbled in round two by solid Klitschko punches. Lewis opened a cut above Klitschko's eye with a right cross in the third round and gave a better showing from the fourth round onwards, with both fighters looking tired, before the start of round seven the doctor advised that the fight should be stopped because of a severe cut above Klitschko's left eye, awarding Lewis victory by TKO. Klitschko was leading 58–56 on all three judges' scorecards when the fight was stopped.

Interviewed about the fight by HBO, doctor Paul Wallace explained his decision:

"When he raised his head up, his upper eyelid covered his field of vision. At that point I had no other option but to stop the fight. If he had to move his head to see me, there was no way he could defend his way against a punch."

Klitschko's face required sixty stitches.[29][30][31]

Because Klitschko had fought so bravely against Lewis, boxing fans soon began calling for a rematch. The WBC agreed, and kept the Ukrainian as its No. 1 contender. Lewis initially was in favour of a rematch:

"I want the rematch, I enjoyed that fight. It was just a fight. We went at it. You have to play dollars and cents but I'm opting more for the rematch."[32]

Negotiations for the rematch followed but Lewis changed his mind.[33] Instead, Klitschko fought and defeated Kirk Johnson on 6 December in WBC Eliminator, setting up a mandatory rematch with Lewis. Lewis announced his retirement shortly thereafter in February 2004, to pursue other interests, including sports management and music promotion, and vacated the title. Lewis said he would not return to the ring. At his retirement, Lewis's record was 41 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw, with 32 wins by knockout.

Retirement

Though it was rumoured in an article published by the Daily Mail on 24 February that he would return to fight Klitschko once again, Lewis quickly shot down those rumours on his personal website. In 2008 Lewis commented on a possible match up with Riddick Bowe. "He waits until I am in retirement to call out my name," said Lewis. "I will come out of retirement to beat up that guy. I'll beat him up for free."[34]

Along with Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano, Lewis is one of three world heavyweight champions to have retired with no unavenged defeats.

In 2008, Lewis was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.[35] In 2009, in his first year of eligibility, Lewis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.[36] He was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.[37]

Lewis worked as a boxing analyst for HBO on Boxing After Dark from 2006 until 2010.

Outside boxing

In 2000, Lewis appeared on Reflection Eternal's debut album Train of Thought, giving a shout out on the track "Down for the Count."

In 2002, Lewis was reportedly offered £5m by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) chairman Vince McMahon to take up professional wrestling in his industry. His camp held discussions over a possible match with WWE superstar Brock Lesnar in February 2003, at the No Way Out pay-per-view event.[38] Prior to the offer Lennox was familiar with wrestling; he was part of the famous match held in the old Wembley Stadium between The British Bulldog and Bret "The Hitman" Hart for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam in 1992, representing the Bulldog during his entrance while bearing a Union Flag.

In 2003, Lewis made a brief cameo appearance in the Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J video "All I Have".

In 2006 he appeared in the movie Johnny Was with Vinnie Jones.

Lewis played in the World Series of Poker in both 2006 and 2007, and was knocked out without winning any money.

Lewis appeared on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. He came in fourth place (out of 14).

Lewis has also done a public service announcement against domestic violence for Do Something.[39]

In 2011 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Lewis is a supporter of his home town football club, West Ham United.[40]

Personal life

File:Lennox Lewis.jpg
Lewis in January 2008

Upon retiring from boxing, Lewis moved to Miami Beach with his wife, Violet Chang, a former Miss Jamaica runner-up. They have four children. Lewis told AventuraUSA.com in 2007 that he is contemplating opening an "international boxing academy" and perhaps one day starting a record label, but he has yet to embark on either endeavour. Lewis supports the English football team West Ham United, the local team for the place of his birth. Lewis has a villa at the Tryall Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Lewis is an avid amateur chess player, and funded an after-school chess programme for disadvantaged youths, one of whom earned a university chess scholarship at Tennessee Tech.[41]

Amateur highlights

  • Record: 75–7 (58 KOs)[42]

Losses

  • Razor Ruddock-avenged as a professional
  • Aleksandr Miroshnichenko
  • Ulli kaden-avenged in 1988 Olympics
  • Tyrell Biggs-avenged as a professional
  • Jorge Luis Gonzalez-avenged
  • Petar Stoymenov
  • 1983 Junior World Super Heavyweight Champion
  • Represented Canada as a Super Heavyweight at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Results were:
    • Defeated Mohammad Youssuf (Pakistan) TKO 3
    • Lost to Tyrell Biggs (United States) points
  • 1985 Silver Medalist at World Cup competition.
  • 1986 Super Heavyweight Gold Medalist at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • 1987 Super Heavyweight Silver Medalist at Pan American Games in Indianapolis. Lost to Jorge Luis Gonzalez of Cuba in the final.
  • 1987 Won the North American Super Heavyweight championship competition, defeating Jorge Luis Gonzalez
  • Won the Super Heavyweight Gold medal for Canada at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

Professional boxing record

44 fights, 41 wins (32 knockouts, 2 disqualifications), 2 losses (2 knockouts), 1 draw[43]
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
44 Win 41–2–1 Vitali Klitschko TKO 6 (12), 3:00 21 Jun 2003 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, US Retained WBC, IBO, lineal and The Ring heavyweight titles
Lewis vacated his IBF title on 5 September 2002
43 Win 40–2–1 Mike Tyson KO 8 (12), 2:25 8 Jun 2002 The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, US Retained WBC, IBF, IBO, lineal and The Ring heavyweight titles
Lewis was awarded The Ring magazine heavyweight title in 2002
42 Win 39–2–1 Hasim Rahman KO 4 (12), 1:29 17 Nov 2001 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, US Won WBC, IBF, IBO and lineal heavyweight titles
41 Loss 38–2–1 KO 5 (12), 2:32 22 Apr 2001 Carnival City Casino, Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa Lost WBC, IBF, IBO and lineal heavyweight titles
40 Win 38–1–1 David Tua UD 12 11 Nov 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, US Retained WBC, IBF, IBO and lineal heavyweight titles
39 Win 37–1–1 Francois Botha TKO 2 (12), 2:39 15 Jul 2000 New London Arena, London, England
38 Win 36–1–1 Michael Grant KO 2 (12), 2:53 29 Apr 2000 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
Lewis was stripped of his WBA title on 29 April 2000, for refusing to fight John Ruiz
37 Win 35–1–1 Evander Holyfield UD 12 13 Nov 1999 Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, US Retained WBC and lineal heavyweight titles
Won WBA, IBF and vacant IBO heavyweight titles
36 Draw 34–1–1 SD 12 13 Mar 1999 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US Retained WBC and lineal heavyweight titles
For WBA and IBF heavyweight titles
35 Win 34–1 Željko Mavrović UD 12 26 Sep 1998 Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut, US Retained WBC and lineal heavyweight titles
34 Win 33–1 Shannon Briggs TKO 5 (12), 1:45 28 Mar 1998 Boardwalk Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBC heavyweight title
Won lineal heavyweight title
33 Win 32–1 Andrew Golota KO 1 (12), 1:35 4 Oct 1997 Caesar's Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBC heavyweight title
32 Win 31–1 Henry Akinwande DQ 5 (12), 2:34 12 Jul 1997 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, US Retained WBC heavyweight title
Akinwande disqualified for repeated holding
31 Win 30–1 Oliver McCall TKO 5 (12), 0:55 7 Feb 1997 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, US Won vacant WBC heavyweight title
30 Win 29–1 Ray Mercer MD 10 10 May 1996 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
29 Win 28–1 Tommy Morrison TKO 6 (12), 1:22 7 Oct 1995 Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
28 Win 27–1 Justin Fortune TKO 4 (10), 1:48 2 Jul 1995 Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
27 Win 26–1 Lionel Butler TKO 5 (12), 2:55 13 May 1995 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US WBC heavyweight title final eliminator
26 Loss 25–1 Oliver McCall TKO 2 (12), 0:31 24 Sep 1994 Wembley Arena, London, England Lost WBC heavyweight title
25 Win 25–0 Phil Jackson TKO 8 (12), 1:35 6 May 1994 Boardwalk Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBC heavyweight title
24 Win 24–0 Frank Bruno TKO 7 (12), 1:12 1 Oct 1993 Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales
23 Win 23–0 Tony Tucker UD 12 8 May 1993 Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Lewis was declared the WBC heavyweight champion on 14 December 1992, after then-champion Riddick Bowe refused to defend against him
22 Win 22–0 Donovan Ruddock TKO 2 (12), 0:46 31 Oct 1992 Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England Won Commonwealth heavyweight title
WBC heavyweight title final eliminator
21 Win 21–0 Mike Dixon TKO 4 (10), 1:02 11 Aug 1992 Harrah's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
20 Win 20–0 Derek Williams TKO 3 (12), 30 Apr 1992 Royal Albert Hall, London, England Retained British and European heavyweight titles
19 Win 19–0 Levi Billups UD 10 1 Feb 1992 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
18 Win 18–0 Tyrell Biggs TKO 3 (10), 2:47 23 Nov 1991 The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia, US
17 Win 17–0 Glenn McCrory KO 2 (12), 1:30 30 Sep 1991 Royal Albert Hall, London, England Retained British and European heavyweight titles
16 Win 16–0 Mike Weaver KO 6 (10), 1:05 12 Jul 1991 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, US
15 Win 15–0 Gary Mason TKO 7 (12), 0:44 6 Mar 1991 Wembley Arena, London, England Retained European heavyweight title
Won British heavyweight title
14 Win 14–0 Jean Chanet TKO 6 (12), 0:16 31 Oct 1990 Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, London, England Won European heavyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Mike Acey KO 2 (10), 0:34 11 Jul 1990 Superstars Nite Club, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
12 Win 12–0 Ossie Ocasio UD 8 27 Jun 1990 Royal Albert Hall, London, England
11 Win 11–0 Dan Murphy TKO 6 (8), 2:11 20 May 1990 Town Hall, Sheffield, England
10 Win 10–0 Jorgé Dascola KO 1 (8), 2:59 9 May 1990 Royal Albert Hall, London, England
9 Win 9–0 Michael Simuwelu TKO 1 (8), 0:58 14 Apr 1990
8 Win 8–0 Calvin Jones KO 1 (8), 2:34 22 Mar 1990 Leisure Centre, Gateshead, England
7 Win 7–0 Noel Quarless TKO 2 (6), 1:25 31 Jan 1990 York Hall, London, England
6 Win 6–0 Greg Gorrell TKO 5 (8), 0:51 18 Dec 1989 Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
5 Win 5–0 Melvin Epps DQ 2 (6), 0:30 5 Nov 1989 Royal Albert Hall, London, England
4 Win 4–0 Steve Garber KO 1 (6) 10 Oct 1989 City Hall, Hull, England
3 Win 3–0 Andrew Gerrard TKO 4 (6), 0:33 25 Sep 1989 Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, London, England
2 Win 2–0 Bruce Johnson TKO 2 (6) 21 Jul 1989 Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
1 Win 1–0 Al Malcolm KO 2 (6), 0:19 27 Jun 1989 Royal Albert Hall, London, England Professional debut

Styles from birth

  • Lennox Lewis, CM (1988–1999)
  • Lennox Lewis, CM, MBE (1999–2002)
  • Lennox Lewis, CM, CBE (2002–present)

See also

References

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External links

Awards
Preceded by The Ring Knockout of the Year
KO5 Hasim Rahman
2001		 Succeeded by
Rocky Juarez KO 10 Antonio Diaz
The Ring Knockout of the Year
KO8 Mike Tyson
2002
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Riddick Bowe
Stripped
 WBC Heavyweight Champion
14 December 1992 – 24 September 1994		 Succeeded by
Oliver McCall
Preceded by
Mike Tyson
Vacated
 WBC Heavyweight Champion
7 February 1997 – 22 April 2001		 Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Preceded by Lineal Heavyweight Champion
28 March 1998 – 22 April 2001		 Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Vacant
Title last held by
Riddick Bowe		 Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
13 November 1999 – 29 April 2000
Titles fractured		 Vacant
Preceded by WBA Heavyweight Champion
13 November 1999 – 29 April 2000
Stripped		 Succeeded by
Evander Holyfield
Preceded by
Brian Nielsen
Stripped
 IBO Heavyweight Champion
13 November 1999 – 22 April 2001		 Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Preceded by IBF Heavyweight Champion
13 November 1999 – 22 April 2001		 Succeeded by
Hasim Rahman
Preceded by IBF Heavyweight Champion
17 November 2001 – 5 September 2002
Vacated		 Succeeded by
Chris Byrd
Preceded by WBC Heavyweight Champion
17 November 2001 – 6 February 2004
Retired		 Succeeded by
Vitali Klitschko
Preceded by IBO Heavyweight Champion
17 November 2001 – February 2004
Retired		 Succeeded by
Wladimir Klitschko
Preceded by Lineal Heavyweight Champion
17 November 2001 – 6 February 2004
Retired		 Succeeded by
Title terminated
Vacant
Title last held by
Evander Holyfield		 The Ring Heavyweight Champion
2002 – 6 February 2004
Retired		 Succeeded by
Vitali Klitschko

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  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/05/lennox-lewis-one-of-the-greatest-ever/
  3. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV5AMRL5-Hc
  4. ↑ The Lennox Lewis interview. Playboy online. April 2002. Accessed 6 October 2006
  5. ↑ Youtube: An Audience With Lennox Lewis 1/4
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ OFSAA Past Champions Boys' Basketball OFSAA. Accessed on December 28, 2015.
  8. ↑ Boxer Lennox Lewis to receive honorary doctorate Share. Accessed on December 28, 2015.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/WorldChamps1986.html
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ "Lennox Lewis answers your questions" BBC, 21 December 2009, retrieved 25 December 2010
  14. ↑ "BOXING; Bruno vs. Lewis: A Personal Battle of Britain" New York Times, 10 August 1993, retrieved 25 December 2010
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Bruno vs. Lewis: A Personal Battle of Britain. Nytimes.com (10 August 1993). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Evans, Gavin (19 September 2005). Mama's Boy: Lennox Lewis and the Heavyweight Crown. Highdown Publishing. ISBN 9781905156092.
  20. ↑ SecondsOut Boxing News – UK Features – Lennox Lewis: Consummate Cool. Secondsout.com (27 October 2006). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  21. ↑ BBC report of the fight. BBC News (14 March 1999). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  22. ↑ BBC report after the fight. BBC News (14 March 1999). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ "Sports Personality Roll of Honour". BBC. Retrieve 26 December 2013
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson – Part 5/5. YouTube. Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ "BOXING; 60 Stitches for Klitschko", New York Times, 25 June 2003, retrieved 23 December 2010.
  30. ↑ "National Conference Call Transcript: Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Cut Man Joe Souza, Dr. Pearlman Hicks, Attorney Ron DiNicola", eastsideboxing.com, retrieved 23 December 2010.
  31. ↑ "Relief for Lewis, stitches for Klitschko", BBC, 22 June 2003 retrieved 23 December 2010.
  32. ↑ Rafael, Dan. (3 July 2003) "Lewis eager for rematch with Klitschko" By Dan Rafael, USA TODAY. Usatoday.com. Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ In 2011, in response to a demand on Twitter from Bowe that he "put [his] gold medal on and let's fight for that!!", Lewis replied "I thought we already did." Lennox Lewis lays rumors of return to rest once and for all – ESPN. Sports.espn.go.com (26 November 2008). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ BBC SPORT | Funny Old Game | Fox set to box. BBC News (11 October 2002). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lennox Lewis would make ring return to fight Wladimir Klitschko... for $100m London 24, 10 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  41. ↑ Elder, Larry (2008). Stupid Black men: how to play the race card-- and lose. Macmillan, ISBN 0-312-36733-3, p. 201-203.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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