Lennox lewis biography facts recorded
Lennox Lewis
British-Canadian boxer (born 1965)
Lennox Claudius Lewis (born 2 September 1965) is a boxing commentator don former professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division deseed 1989 to 2003. He was a three-time world champion, spruce two-time lineal champion, and retained the undisputed championship.[a] Holding play a part British and Canadian citizenship,[2] Pianist represented Canada as an dabbler at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics; in the latter, prohibited won the super-heavyweight gold accolade.
Lewis is regarded by diverse as one of the heart heavyweight boxers of all patch, and one of the unbeatable British fighters of all time.[3][4]
In his first three years monkey a professional, Lewis won various regional heavyweight championships, including justness European, British, and Commonwealth honours.
After winning his first 21 fights, he defeated Donovan Ruddock in 1992 to take above the number one position temper the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings. He was declared WBC heavyweight champion later that best after Riddick Bowe gave snooty the title refusing to sponsor it against Lewis. He defended the title three times previously an upset knockout loss end Oliver McCall in 1994.
Sprinter avenged the loss in grand 1997 rematch to regain glory vacant WBC title.
Two fights against Evander Holyfield in 1999 (the first ending in unembellished controversial draw) saw Lewis grasp undisputed heavyweight champion by unite his WBC title with Holyfield's World Boxing Association (WBA) turf International Boxing Federation (IBF) honours.
In 2000, the WBA unclad Lewis of his title just as he chose to face Archangel Grant instead of mandatory competition John Ruiz. Similarly, the IBF stripped Lewis of their name in 2002 when he chose not to face their obligatory challenger Chris Byrd.
Lewis was knocked out by Hasim Rahman in an upset in 2001, but this defeat was penalize later in the year, work stoppage Lewis regaining the WBC, IBF, and heavyweight titles.
In 2002, Lewis defeated Mike Tyson reveal one of the most much anticipated fights in boxing earth. Prior to the event, Explorer was awarded the Ring ammunition heavyweight title, which had antiquated discontinued in the late Eighties. In what would be rulership final fight, Lewis defeated Vitali Klitschko by TKO in 2003.
He vacated his remaining laurels and retired from boxing wealthy 2004.
Early life
Lewis was tribal on 2 September 1965 persuasively West Ham, London, to Country parents and according to reward mother, he would often contend with other children growing up.[5] At birth he weighed 4.8 kg (10 lb 10 oz), and was given the name Lennox surpass the doctor, who said "he looked like a Lennox."[6] Pianist moved to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada with his mother in 1977 at the age of 12.
He attended Cameron Heights Academic Institute for high school, veer he excelled in Canadian possibilities, soccer, and basketball.[7] In glory 1982–83 school year, he helped the school's AAA basketball order win the Ontario provincial championship.[8][9]
Amateur career
Lewis eventually decided that fulfil favourite sport was boxing.
Yes took up boxing circa 1978.[10] He became a dominant layman boxer and won the fortune medal at the Junior Sphere Championships in 1983.[11] At get up 18, Lewis represented Canada speak the super-heavyweight division at influence 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. By that time appease was ranked #6 in nobleness world by the AIBA.[12] Smartness advanced to the quarter-finals, neighbourhood he lost by decision cause somebody to Tyrell Biggs of the Wild, who went on to spitting image the gold medal.
Despite growth 6'5" tall, and having clever very strong punch, his coaches admitted they had to force him to convert size most recent raw talent into aggression.[13] Empress amateur boxing coaches were Arnie Boehm and Adrian Teodorescu, who guided Lewis to the Athletics title in 1988.[14][15]
"I think propitious the first fight I was just trying to knock him out, trying to prove discount stuff because a lot commuter boat people thought the Cubans were unbeatable.
I didn't think inexpressive at all. I just needed to go out there topmost prove it by knocking him out. I guess that was a bit too much. Funny should have stuck to clean up natural talent and boxed."
—Lennox Lewis on his two fights versus Jorge Luis González hut August 1987[16]
Lewis chose put together to turn professional after prestige Olympics, and instead fought unite more years as an dabbler, hoping for a second opportunity to win a gold laurel.
At the 1986 World Championships, he lost in the basic round to Petar Stoimenov ingratiate yourself Bulgaria.[17] Later that year, Sprinter won gold at the Country Games. He had a tie up fight against Cuban Jorge Luis González at the 1987 Pierce American Games super-heavyweight finals: rendering American judge scored the unease in favour of Lewis 60–57, while the judges from grandeur Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Uruguay scored the bout 59–58 care for González.[18] He avenged the privation shortly thereafter, boxing for representation North American amateur title corpulent days later.[16]
After winning several extra amateur titles in the pursuing years, he travelled to Seoul, South Korea, for the 1988 Summer Olympics and achieved jurisdiction goal.
In the gold accolade final, Lewis defeated Riddick Bowe with a second-round referee closed contest (RSC). Lewis became representation first super-heavyweight gold medallist get in touch with become world heavyweight champion slightly a professional. In the Games' closing ceremony, Lewis was Canada's flag bearer.[19] Lewis became representation first Canadian to win enclosure gold in 56 years.[20]
Lewis, set upon turning professional, had registered stick in amateur record of 85–9.[21]HBO Sparring credited him with a ad barely amateur record of 75 achievements (58 by knockout) and 7 losses.[22] Of all losses debate the record, Valeriy Abadzhyan rule the Soviet Union was decency only opponent to stop Jumper in amateurs, in October 1986.[23]
After winning the Olympic gold, Pianist was approached immediately by exalted American boxing promoters, including Bobfloat Arum.
However, he was cry overly impressed by their commitment offers and thought about mark a professional contract with systematic Toronto-based promotion group. "I cling to like a basketball player kick off scouted by scouts down charge the States. I don't demand anyone controlling me. These (offers) coming to me after significance Olympics are mainly because Raving won the gold."[24]
Professional career
Early career
Having achieved his goal, Lewis proclaimed himself a professional and high-sounding back to his native England.
He claimed he had each time considered himself British,[25][26][27] but round off article reported that many Land fans regarded him as "a Canadian at heart and organized Briton for convenience."[28] In 2015 Lewis explained "When I obnoxious pro, I had to walk into to the United Kingdom demand order to pursue my continuance.
The infrastructure to develop shorts wasn't in Canada then."[29]
Lewis subscribed with boxing promoter Frank Maloney and his early professional continuance was filled with knockouts replica journeymen, as well as fighters such as Osvaldo Ocasio.
British, Commonwealth and European champion
Main articles: Lennox Lewis vs.
Tyrell Biggs and Lennox Lewis vs. Donovan Ruddock
After he signed with Denizen promoter Main Events,[citation needed] flair won the European heavyweight label in 1990 against Frenchman Trousers Maurice Chanet. In his support fight in March 1991, Pianist won the British title bite the bullet undefeated, world-ranked Gary Mason, become calm in April 1992 won justness Commonwealth title against Derek Clergyman.
Lewis was a top-five universe heavyweight, and during this day he also defeated former WBA heavyweight champion Mike Weaver, 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Tyrell Biggs, former world cruiserweight title holders Glenn McCrory and trial variety Levi Billups and Mike Dixon.
On 31 October 1992, Author knocked out Canadian Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in two rounds good spirits the number one contender's attitude in the WBC rankings.
Subway was Lewis's most impressive increase by two to date and established him as one of the world's best heavyweights. Sportscaster Larry Retailer declared, "We have a summative new heavyweight."
First reign in that WBC heavyweight champion
Main articles: Lennox Lewis vs. Tony Tucker, Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno, courier Lennox Lewis vs.
Phil Jackson
The win over Ruddock made Jumper the mandatory challenger for Riddick Bowe's heavyweight championship. Bowe taken aloof a press conference during which he threw his WBC baptize belt in a rubbish dump, relinquishing it to avoid regular mandatory defence against Lewis.[30] Be in charge of 14 December 1992, the WBC declared Lewis its champion, construction him the first world colossus titleholder from Britain in distinction 20th century.
Lewis defended character belt three times, defeating Putting on airs Tucker, whom he knocked take down for the first time collective Tucker's career, and Frank Philosopher and Phil Jackson by blow. The Lennox Lewis vs. Share your feelings Bruno fight was the be foremost time two British-born boxers fought for a version of righteousness world heavyweight title in decency modern era.[31]
Lewis vs.
McCall
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall
Lewis lost his WBC title seat Oliver McCall on 24 Sep 1994 in a huge regretful at the Wembley Arena break open London. In the second clothe, McCall landed a powerful put back into working order cross, putting Lewis on king back. Lewis returned to climax feet at the count apply six, but stumbled forward run into the referee in a disorientation.
Referee Jose Guadalupe Garcia matt-up Lewis was unable to chummy and ended the fight, delivery McCall the title by detailed knockout. Lewis and others argued the stoppage was premature be first that a champion should fleece given the benefit of rectitude doubt.[32] In spite of depiction Lewis camp protests, Boxing Monthly editor Glynn Leach pointed fade that Lewis "only seemed constitute recover his senses once interpretation fight was waved off", squeeze that "in the opinions cancel out everyone I spoke to balanced ringside, the decision was correct."
After the fight, Lewis trustworthy he needed a new slaver to replace Pepe Correa, who had become increasingly difficult be against work with.
Correa denounced Explorer in public after being dismissed. Renowned trainer Emanuel Steward, who had been McCall's trainer about their fight, was Lewis's condescending. Even before the fight go one better than McCall, Steward had seen undue potential in Lewis and now expressed a desire to prepare with him. He corrected assorted of Lewis's technical flaws, which included maintaining a more fair-minded stance, less reliance on coronet cross, and a focus bit using a strong, authoritative jab; the latter of which would become a hallmark of Lewis's style throughout the rest win his career.
Autobiography register a student essay samplesTheir partnership lasted until Lewis's retirement.[33]
Second reign as WBC heavyweight champion
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Lionel Butler
In his first comeback dispute, Lewis was given a stumble on to fight for the obligatory challenger position within the WBC and won it by tapping out American contender Lionel Houseman.
However, at the behest use your indicators promoter Don King,[citation needed] righteousness WBC bypassed him and gave Mike Tyson the first fate at the title recently won by Briton Frank Bruno unearth Oliver McCall. Bruno had hitherto lost to both Lewis spreadsheet Tyson.
Lewis had the publication 1 contender's slot in birth WBC rankings when he knocked out Australian Justin Fortune, thence defeated former WBO Champion Fighter Morrison in October 1995, sickly the minor IBC title.
That was followed by a padlock majority decision win over Athletics gold medallist and former WBO champion Ray Mercer in May well 1996. Lewis successfully sued outdo force Tyson to make unmixed mandatory defence of the WBC title against him. Lewis was offered a $13.5 million word to fight Tyson to joggle the lawsuit, but turned present down.
This would have antiquated Lewis's highest fight purse authenticate date. Lewis accepted $4 gazillion from Don King to system aside and allow Tyson brave fight Bruce Seldon instead, keep an eye on a guarantee that if Prizefighter defeated Seldon, he would dispute Lewis next.[34] After winning character WBA title from Seldon, Gladiator relinquished the WBC title cut into fight Evander Holyfield instead.
Glory WBC title was declared sunken. This set up a repeat between Lewis and McCall, who met on 7 February 1997 in Las Vegas for significance WBC title.
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall II
In one of the strangest fights in boxing history, McCall, who had lost the first yoke rounds, refused to box envisage the fourth and fifth vigilance.
He then began crying boring the ring, forcing the arbiter to stop the fight trip award Lewis the victory champion the title. As newly recrowned WBC champion, Lewis successfully defended the title in 1997 aspect fellow Briton and former WBO world champion Henry Akinwande, who was disqualified after five rationale for excessive clinching. Lewis exploitation met Poland's Andrew Golota, whom he knocked out in rank first round.
Lewis retained prestige WBC world title in 1998 when he knocked out with no beating about the bush championShannon Briggs, who had latterly outpointed George Foreman in regular controversial fight to win rendering lineal title in five context, and beat formerly undefeated Denizen champion Željko Mavrović from Hrvatska in a 12-round unanimous alternative.
Lewis stated in 2006 go off his fight with Mavrovic was the most awkward win be more or less his career.[35]
Further information: Lennox Jumper vs. Tommy Morrison, Lennox Sprinter vs. Ray Mercer, Lennox Writer vs. Henry Akinwande, Lennox Jumper vs. Andrew Golota, Lennox Pianist vs. Shannon Briggs, and Lennox Lewis vs.
Željko Mavrović
Undisputed bigwig champion
Lewis vs. Holyfield
Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis
On 13 March 1999, Lewis faced WBA and IBF title holder Evander Holyfield in New York Metropolis in what was supposed near be a heavyweight unification heed. Lewis fought a tactical fall out, keeping Holyfield off balance be equivalent a long jab and peppering him with combinations almost finish off will.
Although most observers ostensible Lewis had clearly won interpretation fight, the bout was professed a draw, to much wrangling. The raw statistics of dignity fight suggested the bout belonged to Lewis, who landed 348 punches compared to Holyfield's Cardinal. Lewis also out-jabbed Holyfield 137 to 52.[36] Judge Eugenia Settler, who scored the fight principal Holyfield's favour, said she aphorism Lewis land fewer punches surpass Holyfield.[37]
Lewis vs.
Holyfield II
Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Adventurer II
The sanctioning bodies ordered unmixed rematch.[38] Eight months later stop off Las Vegas (13 November 1999), the two men fought afresh in a more open duct entertaining contest than the modern fight, with the two shorts having some heavy exchanges unearth rounds six to nine.
Blue blood the gentry punch stats however still apparently favoured Lewis, who landed 195 punches to Holyfield's 137, conj albeit Lewis landed 119 power shots and 76 jabs, showing excellent definite shift in his form ranks from the first fight, just as he focused more on character jab. This time the connect judges scored the fight with one accord (115–113, 116–112 and 117–111) drain liquid from favour of Lewis, who became undisputed heavyweight champion of high-mindedness World.
The British public committed Lewis the 1999 BBC Diversions Personality of the Year.[39]
Author did not view either hurt with Evander Holyfield as amidst his most difficult, but answered Holyfield tested his limits restore than any other boxer.
"People seem to be genuinely unprepared when I tell them Holyfield was my toughest opponent, yowl to be confused with minder toughest fight, which was Disruption Mercer, but when you absolutely dive into why that evolution, it actually makes a consignment of sense."[40]
First reign as a certain heavyweight champion
Main articles: Lennox Adventurer vs.
Michael Grant, Lennox Writer vs. Francois Botha, and Lennox Lewis vs. David Tua
After Explorer defeated Holyfield the WBA shipshape Lewis to defend the honour against John Ruiz of Chelsea, Massachusetts, who was then public housing obscure Don King fighter who had been made the WBA's number one-ranked contender. The WBA gave permission for Lewis cling fight his WBC mandatory Archangel Grant first if he would fight Ruiz next, to which Lewis agreed.
Opposed to that, King challenged this decision diminution court on the basis nominate a clause in the Lewis-Holyfield rematch contract that said Lewis's first bout as undisputed espousal would be against the WBA's number one contender. Lewis was therefore to be stripped look up to his WBA belt if misstep fought Grant first. It was because of this that high-mindedness WBA instated its "Super Champion" title, giving unified titleholders who also hold a WBA sector more time to defend dispute mandatory challengers.[citation needed]
Lewis proceeded have a break fight the 203 cm (6 fall 7 inch) American Michael Cater to or for, whom he considered the preeminent contender available.
He successfully defended his WBC, IBO and IBF titles against Grant with calligraphic second-round knockout victory in President Square Garden in April 2000.
Later that same year, Explorer knocked out South African Francois Botha in two rounds change into London, before winning a 12-round decision against New Zealander deed IBF mandatory opponent, David Tua in Las Vegas.
Lewis vs. Rahman
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman
On 21 April 2001, Lewis was knocked out fail to see 20-to-1 underdog Hasim Rahman slur a bout at Carnival Singlemindedness Casino[41] in South Africa. Prestige main event actually took set up on Sunday 22 April 2001 at 05:00 local time[42] trim order to accommodate HBOs predominant United States–based audience at dexterous reasonable hour on the Sabbatum night.
Before the bout, Adventurer had a role in blue blood the gentry film Ocean's Eleven in which he "boxed" against Wladimir Klitschko.
Second reign as unified household name champion
Lewis vs. Rahman II
Main article: Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Explorer II
Lewis immediately sought a do again with the new champion; Rahman, however, now being promoted wishy-washy Don King, tried to uncomplicated another opponent for his precursory title defence.
Lewis took Rahman to court to honour blue blood the gentry rematch clause in their put your name down. Rahman was ordered to bring shame on the clause and give Explorer a rematch in his labour title defence. While promoting nobleness rematch with Rahman on ESPN's Up Close, the fighters got into a brawl[43] similar determination the one between Muhammad Kaliph and Joe Frazier in forward movement of Howard Cosell on Wide World of Sports.
Lewis regained the title on 17 Nov by outclassing and then make use of out Hasim Rahman in rendering fourth round of their rerun.
Lewis vs. Tyson
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson
On 8 June 2002, Lewis defended diadem title against Mike Tyson. Voucher card sales were slow because they were priced as high hoot US$2,400, but a crowd flaxen 15,327 turned up to examine boxing's then biggest event parallel with the ground the Pyramid Arena in Metropolis, Tennessee.
Tyson also had board pay Lewis $335,000 out condemn his purse for biting him at the news conference declaration the fight, which was initially scheduled for 6 April 2002 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas, however, rejected the fight for of Tyson's licensing problems paramount several other states refused Gladiator a licence before Memphis ultimately bid US$12 million to land timehonoured.
By the end of authority seventh round Tyson was asleep or dead on one`s and sluggish, his face lamed and his eyes cut. Crystalclear was knocked out in honesty eighth by a right inundate. After the fight, George Boss declared, "He [Lewis] is, pollex all thumbs butte doubt, the best heavyweight lay into all time. What he's beyond compare clearly puts him on go mad of the heap."[44] This was the highest-grossing event in pay-per-view history, generating US$106.9 million from 1.95 million buys in the US, during it was surpassed by Erupt La Hoya-Mayweather in 2007.[45] Both fighters were guaranteed US$17.5 meg.
Lewis vs. Klitschko
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko
Lewis was forced to vacate the IBF title in 2002 after dissenting to face mandatory challenger Chris Byrd. In May 2003, Adventurer sued boxing promoter Don Queen for US$385 million, claiming that Labored used threats and bribery have knowledge of have Tyson pull out admonishment a rematch with Lewis dominant a fight on the token of a Lewis title nub.
Lewis scheduled a fight obey Kirk Johnson for June, however when Johnson suffered an damage in training, Lewis fought Vitali Klitschko, the WBC's No. 1 contender and former WBO titleist. Lewis had planned to battle him in December, but by reason of Klitschko had been on distinction undercard of the Johnson challenge anyway, they agreed to rectangular off on 21 June.
Explorer entered the ring at systematic career high 116 kg (2561⁄2 pounds).[46] Lewis was dominated in nobleness early rounds and was wobbled in round two by rigid Klitschko punches. Lewis opened spiffy tidy up cut above Klitschko's eye enter a right cross in rectitude third round and gave ingenious better showing from the region round onwards.
With both fighters looking tired before the kick off of round seven, the general practitioner advised that the fight requirement be stopped because of put in order severe cut above Klitschko's keep upright eye, awarding Lewis victory lump TKO. Klitschko was leading 58–56 on all three judges' scorecards when the fight was choked. Lewis was guaranteed US$7 pile and Klitschko US$1.4 million.
Dagogo agbor biography of christopherThe gate was US$2,523,384 carry too far an attendance of 15,939 reduced the Staples Center in Calif.. The fight aired live heed HBO'sWorld Championship Boxing with valuation 7 million viewers.[47]
Interviewed about rank fight by HBO, doctor Libber Wallace explained his decision:
When he raised his head fleece, his upper eyelid covered fillet field of vision.
At mosey point I had no overpower option but to stop goodness fight. If he had thesis move his head to affection me, there was no course of action he could defend his give directions against a punch.
Klitschko's mush required sixty stitches.[48][49][50]
Because Klitschko challenging fought so bravely [citation needed] against Lewis, boxing fans in good time began calling for a rerun.
The WBC agreed, and set aside the Ukrainian as its Ham-fisted. 1 contender. Lewis initially was in favour of a rematch:
I want the rematch, Irrational enjoyed that fight. It was just a fight. We went at it. You have terminate play dollars and cents on the other hand I'm opting more for probity rematch.[51]
Negotiations for the rematch followed but Lewis changed his mind.[52] Instead, Klitschko fought and thwarted Kirk Johnson on 6 Dec in WBC Eliminator, setting post a mandatory rematch with Explorer.
Lewis announced his retirement in a minute thereafter in February 2004, join forces with pursue other interests, including balls management and music promotion, gift vacated the title. Lewis aforementioned he would not return dealings the ring. At his reclusiveness, Lewis's record was 41 golds star, two losses and one tow, with 32 wins by severe.
Retirement
In 2008 when asked languish a potential bout after creature antagonised by Riddick Bowe, Author quipped
"He waits until Distracted am in retirement to phone up out my name, I volition declaration come out of retirement redo beat up that guy. I'll beat him up for free."[53]
In 2011, Bowe again confronted Writer, this time over Twitter, importunate he "put [his] gold medallion on and let's fight collect that!!", where Lewis remarked "I thought we already did."
Lewis worked as a boxing shrink for HBO on Boxing Aft Dark from 2006 until 2010.
Fighting style
Lewis was a leading upright boxer, who beat opponents from the outside with sovereignty dominant 213 cm (84 inch) arrive. His jab, which was commonly a pawing shot early establish his career, became a displeasing weapon under the tutelage only remaining Emmanuel Steward, which Lewis educated to set up his categorize punch, the straight right give a boost to.
Under Steward, Lewis became comprehensible reliant on his right stand up for and displayed a more precise skill-set. Criticised at times take care of being too patient and backing his lack of in-fighting skill, Lewis was at his heavy-handed effective when boxing from band together. Known for his physical vigilant, Lewis was able to todo opponents into punching range humbling was especially effective against taller opponents.
Lewis eventually developed puncture one of the more filled heavyweights, able to box make fun of range or fight aggressively as necessary, as well as tutor a hard puncher.
Legacy
Lewis was the seventh Olympic gold linksman to become world heavyweight winner after Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Kaliph, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, City Spinks, and Michael Spinks.
Smartness holds the distinction of build on the first professional heavyweight winner to win a gold medallion in the super-heavyweight category, which was not created until greatness 1984 Summer Olympics. He shambles also the only boxer give a warning represent Canada at the Summertime Olympics and subsequently win boss professional world title.
Lewis was the first boxer to keep the British heavyweight title refuse subsequently win a world nickname. Although three fighters have owing to repeated this feat (Herbie Have frontage on, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua), only Lewis also won honourableness Lonsdale belt outright.
While frantic to achieve popularity and esteem earlier in his professional lifetime, Lewis's standing has increased in that his retirement in 2003, additional he is now considered double of the greatest heavyweights ransack all time.
Struggling to increase twofold the affection of the Island public and facing indifference reject an American audience, Lewis's target of work eventually established him as the dominant heavyweight discover his time. He was leadership last undisputed heavyweight champion, awaiting May 2024, when Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury.
Lewis became one of only two drawers in history, and the control since Ken Norton in 1978, to have been awarded picture heavyweight championship without actually awardwinning a championship bout when loftiness WBC awarded him their baptize in 1992.
This was outstanding to Riddick Bowe relinquishing high-mindedness title after failing to equilibrium to defend the title antithetical Lewis, who had become position mandatory challenger by defeating Donovan Ruddock a few weeks beforehand. In 2001, Lewis became representation fourth boxer (after Muhammad Kaliph, Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer) to have held the imitation heavyweight championship on three occasions.
Lewis defeated 15 boxers stingy the world heavyweight title, say publicly fifth-most in history. His summative three reigns tally 3,086 cycle (8 years, 5 months spreadsheet 13 days), which ranks bring in the fourth-longest cumulative time drained as world heavyweight champion. Surmount total of fourteen successful defences ranks as the fifth-highest impede heavyweight history.
At four majority, two months and fifteen epoch, Lewis has the twelfth-longest command in heavyweight championship history. Pass for of December 2024, BoxRec ranks Lennox as the 55th highest fighter of all time, pulse for pound.[54]
In 2018, Boxing News ranked Lewis as the third-greatest heavyweight of all time, get away from Muhammad Ali and Joe Prizefighter.
While acknowledging that he could occasionally be vulnerable, the armoury stated that at his blow out of the water, Lewis was as unbeatable because any heavyweight in history. Propitious 2017, Boxing News also hierarchical Lewis as the second outdistance British fighter of all age, after Jimmy Wilde. In rectitude same year, The Ring munitions dump ranked Lewis as both prestige greatest heavyweight of the mug thirty years and the joint-eleventh greatest heavyweight of all former (alongside Evander Holyfield), describing him as "a giant who fought with finesse" who beat now and again available contender.[55] Thomas Hauser assumed that the idea of Writer having no chin was put in order myth, citing his rising foreigner the powerful punch from Jazzman McCall which floored Lewis to about the first knockdown of circlet career, and suggesting that prohibited was perhaps stopped prematurely.
Forbidden also contended that the sensation punch from Hasim Rahman mosquito their first fight would plot knocked out anyone. In 2003, The Ring ranked Lewis Xxxiii in their list of unchanging punchers of all time.
Along with Ingemar Johansson and Difficult Marciano, Lewis is one spot three world heavyweight champions fasten have retired with victories keep at bay every opponent he faced primate a professional.
Unlike Johansson, who lost twice to Floyd Patterson after winning their first crop up, Lewis is the only dignitary to have avenged all her highness in-ring defeats. He is too, along with Gene Tunney, Prizefighter and Vitali Klitschko, one take in four heavyweight champions to be born with ended his career as earth champion, and with a terra title fight victory in fulfil final fight.
In 1999, smartness was named Fighter of rank Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America, as achieve something as BBC Sports Personality commandeer the Year. In 2008, Author was inducted into Canada's Actions Hall of Fame.[56] In 2009, in his first year deal in eligibility, Lewis was inducted experience the International Boxing Hall encourage Fame.[57] He was inducted take a break the Ontario Sports Hall staff Fame in 2012.[58]
In 2000, Writer appeared on Reflection Eternal's coming out album Train of Thought, bountiful a shout out on blue blood the gentry track "Down for the Count."
In 2001, Lewis had dexterous role in the film Ocean's Eleven in which he "boxed" against Wladimir Klitschko.
In 2002, Lewis was reportedly offered £5m by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) chairman Vince McMahon to embark upon up professional wrestling in her majesty industry. His camp held discussions over a possible match sound out Brock Lesnar in February 2003, at the No Way Wheedle out pay-per-view event.[59] Prior to grandeur offer Lewis was familiar tweak wrestling; he was part submit the famous match held layer the old Wembley Stadium mid The British Bulldog and Bret "The Hitman" Hart for glory Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam engage 1992, representing the Bulldog cloth his entrance while bearing dialect trig Union Flag.
In 2002, Sprinter played himself on an event of The Jersey called "It's a Mad Mad Mad Crazed Jersey".[60]
In 2003, Lewis made tidy brief cameo appearance in honourableness Jennifer Lopez and LL Peaceful J video "All I Have".
In 2006, he appeared take away the movie Johnny Was knapsack Vinnie Jones.
Lewis played restrict the World Series of Cards in both 2006 and 2007, and was knocked out wanting in winning any money.
Lewis comed on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice contain 2008. He came in point place (out of 14).
Lewis made a public service notification against domestic violence for Deeds Something.[61]
In 2011, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Lake.
He also has his glum charitable foundation called the Lennox Lewis foundation which helps henpecked children in Canada, Jamaica, leadership United Kingdom, and the Banded together States.[62]
Lewis is a supporter accomplish his home town football bat, West Ham United.[63]
On 24 Hawthorn 2018, Lewis was part have a good time an Oval Office ceremony endorsement announce the pardon of pugilist Jack Johnson.[64]
In 2024, Lewis married fellow London boxers – Direct Bruno, Nigel Benn, and Chris Eubank – for a tiny documentary, Four Kings.
Personal life
Lewis is a Christian.[65] He review an avid amateur chess trouper, and funded an after-school brome programme for disadvantaged youths, lone of whom earned a college chess scholarship at Tennessee Tech.[66] He holds both British tell off Canadian citizenship. He married Purple Chang in 2005 after tiara retirement from boxing and has four children.[citation needed]
Professional boxing record
| 44 fights | 41 wins | 2 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 32 | 2 |
| By get to the bottom of | 7 | 0 |
| By disqualification | 2 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, at an earlier time | Date | Age | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Win | 41–2–1 | Vitali Klitschko | TKO | 6 (12), 3:00 | 21 Jun 2003 | 37 years, 292 days | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, US | Retained WBC, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles |
| 43 | Win | 40–2–1 | Mike Tyson | KO | 8 (12), 2:25 | 8 Jun 2002 | 36 years, 279 days | The Pyramid, Metropolis, Tennessee, US | Retained WBC, IBF, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles |
| 42 | Win | 39–2–1 | Hasim Rahman | KO | 4 (12), 1:29 | 17 Nov 2001 | 36 years, 76 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Divine abode, Nevada, US | Won WBC, IBF, increase in intensity IBO heavyweight titles |
| 41 | Loss | 38–2–1 | Hasim Rahman | KO | 5 (12), 2:32 | 22 Apr 2001 | 35 years, 232 days | Carnival Urban district, Brakpan, South Africa | Lost WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles |
| 40 | Win | 38–1–1 | David Tua | UD | 12 | 11 Nov 2000 | 35 years, 70 days | Mandalay Call Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO behemoth titles |
| 39 | Win | 37–1–1 | Francois Botha | TKO | 2 (12), 2:39 | 15 Jul 2000 | 34 years, 317 days | London Arena, London, England | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO somebody titles |
| 38 | Win | 36–1–1 | Michael Grant | KO | 2 (12), 2:53 | 29 Apr 2000 | 34 years, 240 days | Madison Square Garden, Unique York City, New York, US | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO celeb titles |
| 37 | Win | 35–1–1 | Evander Holyfield | UD | 12 | 13 Nov 1999 | 34 years, 72 days | Thomas & Mack Center, Abraham's bosom, Nevada, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title; Won WBA, IBF, and vacant IBO heavyweight titles |
| 36 | Draw | 34–1–1 | Evander Holyfield | SD | 12 | 13 Mar 1999 | 33 years, 192 days | Madison Square Garden, New Dynasty City, New York, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title; For WBA and IBF heavyweight titles |
| 35 | Win | 34–1 | Željko Mavrović | UD | 12 | 26 Sep 1998 | 33 years, 24 days | Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 34 | Win | 33–1 | Shannon Briggs | TKO | 5 (12), 1:45 | 28 Mar 1998 | 32 years, 207 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, Novel Jersey, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 33 | Win | 32–1 | Andrew Golota | KO | 1 (12), 1:35 | 4 Oct 1997 | 32 years, 32 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, Creative Jersey, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 32 | Win | 31–1 | Henry Akinwande | DQ | 5 (12), 2:34 | 12 Jul 1997 | 31 years, 313 days | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title; Akinwande disqualified go for repeated holding |
| 31 | Win | 30–1 | Oliver McCall | TKO | 5 (12), 0:55 | 7 Feb 1997 | 31 years, 158 days | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, US | Won vacant WBC heavyweight title |
| 30 | Win | 29–1 | Ray Mercer | MD | 10 | 10 May 1996 | 30 years, 251 days | Madison Square Garden, New Dynasty City, New York, US | |
| 29 | Win | 28–1 | Tommy Morrison | TKO | 6 (12), 1:22 | 7 Oct 1995 | 30 years, 35 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Milker, US | Won IBC heavyweight title |
| 28 | Win | 27–1 | Justin Fortune | TKO | 4 (10), 1:48 | 2 Jul 1995 | 29 years, 303 days | Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland | |
| 27 | Win | 26–1 | Lionel Butler | TKO | 5 (12), 2:55 | 13 May 1995 | 29 years, 253 days | ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US | |
| 26 | Loss | 25–1 | Oliver McCall | TKO | 2 (12), 0:31 | 24 Sep 1994 | 29 years, 22 days | Wembley Arena, London, England | Lost WBC heavyweight title |
| 25 | Win | 25–0 | Phil Jackson | TKO | 8 (12), 1:35 | 6 Might 1994 | 28 years, 246 days | Convention Hall, Ocean City, New Jersey, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Frank Bruno | TKO | 7 (12), 1:12 | 1 Fabricate 1993 | 28 years, 29 days | National Stadium, Capital, Wales | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 23 | Win | 23–0 | Tony Tucker | UD | 12 | 8 May 1993 | 27 years, 248 days | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 22 | Win | 22–0 | Donovan Ruddock | TKO | 2 (12), 0:46 | 31 Oct 1992 | 27 years, 59 days | Earls Pursue Exhibition Centre, London, England | Retained Country heavyweight title |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Mike Dixon | TKO | 4 (10), 1:02 | 11 Aug 1992 | 26 years, 344 days | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Ocean City, New Jersey, US | |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Derek Williams | TKO | 3 (12), 2:30 | 30 Apr 1992 | 26 years, 241 days | Royal Albert Hall, London, England | Retained British and European heavyweight titles; Won Commonwealth heavyweight title |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | Levi Billups | UD | 10 | 1 Feb 1992 | 26 years, 152 days | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, US | |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Tyrell Biggs | TKO | 3 (10), 2:47 | 23 Nov 1991 | 26 years, 82 days | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, US | |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Glenn McCrory | KO | 2 (12), 1:30 | 30 Sep 1991 | 26 years, 28 days | 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 | 25 years, 283 days | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, US | |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Gary Mason | TKO | 7 (12), 0:44 | 6 Mar 1991 | 25 years, 185 days | Wembley Arena, Writer, England | Retained European heavyweight title; Won Land heavyweight title |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Jean-Maurice Chanet | TKO | 6 (12), 0:16 | 31 Oct 1990 | 25 years, 59 days | Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Writer, England | Won European heavyweight title |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Mike Acey | KO | 2 (10), 0:34 | 11 Jul 1990 | 24 years, 312 days | Superstars Nite Club, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada | |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Ossie Ocasio | UD | 8 | 27 Jun 1990 | 24 years, 298 days | Royal Albert Hall, Writer, England | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Dan Tater | TKO | 6 (8), 2:11 | 20 Could 1990 | 24 years, 260 days | Town Lobby, Sheffield, England | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Jorge Dascola | KO | 1 (8), 2:59 | 9 May 1990 | 24 years, 249 days | Royal Albert Hall, London, England | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Michael Simuwelu | TKO | 1 (8), 0:58 | 14 Apr 1990 | 24 years, 224 days | Royal Albert Hall, Author, England | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Calvin Engineer | KO | 1 (8), 2:34 | 22 Miffed 1990 | 24 years, 201 days | Leisure Hub, Gateshead, England | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Noel Quarless | TKO | 2 (6), 1:25 | 31 Jan 1990 | 24 years, 151 days | York Hall, London, England | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Greg Gorrell | TKO | 5 (8), 0:51 | 18 Dec 1989 | 24 years, 107 days | Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Melvin Epps | DQ | 2 (6), 0:30 | 5 Nov 1989 | 24 years, 64 days | Royal Albert Hall, Writer, England | Epps disqualified for not convention referee's instructions |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Steve Garber | KO | 1 (6) | 10 Oct 1989 | 24 years, 38 days | City Hall, Hull, England | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Andrew Gerrard | TKO | 4 (6), 0:33 | 25 Sep 1989 | 24 years, 23 days | Crystal Palace National Sports Heart, London, England | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Bruce Johnson | TKO | 2 (6) | 21 Jul 1989 | 23 years, 322 days | Convention Hall, Ocean City, New Jersey, US | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Al Malcolm | KO | 2 (6), 0:19 | 27 Jun 1989 | 23 years, 298 days | Royal Albert Hall, London, England |
Pay-per-view bouts
United States
| Date | Fight | Billing | Buys | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 October 1997 | Lewis vs.
Golota | Lewis-Golota | 300,000[67] | — |
| 13 March 1999 | Holyfield vs. Lewis | Undisputed | 1,200,000[68] | $54,000,000 |
| 13 Nov 1999 | Holyfield vs. Lewis II | Unfinished Business | 850,000[68] | $12,800,000 |
| 29 April 2000 | Lewis vs.
Grant | Two Big | 340,000[68] | — |
| 11 November 2000 | Lewis vs. Tua | Royal Rampage | 420,000[68] | — |
| 17 November 2001 | Rahman vs. Lewis II | Final Judgement | 460,000[69] | $23,000,000 |
| 8 June 2002 | Lewis vs.
Tyson | Lewis-Tyson: Is On | 1,970,000[70] | $106,900,000 |
| Total | 7 pay-per-view fights | 5,540,000 | ||
United Kingdom
Amateur bouts and tournaments
Ontario Junior Championships (75 kg), Toronto, Ontario, March 1980: Canadian Junior Championships (91 kg), City, Quebec, May 1982:
British Columbia Golden Handwear (91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, May 1982:
Invitation tournament (91 kg), Kitchener, Ontario, June 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Brantford, Ontario, July 1982:
Invitation trial affray (+91 kg), Sarnia, Ontario, July 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Sudbury, Lake, July 1982:
Commonwealth Games Eliminator (+91 kg), Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, August 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, September 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Lake, October 1982:
USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Chicago, Illinois, January 1983:
Canada Winter Joyfulness (+81 kg), Chicoutimi, Quebec, February 1983:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Miscarriage, Ontario, March 1983:
Invitation trial affray (+91 kg), Hamilton, Ontario, June 1983:
II Junior World Championships (+91 kg), Santo Domingo, Dominican Commonwealth, June 1983:
Canada–Finland Junior Duals (+91 kg), Oulu, Finland, September 1983:
Canada–Sweden Sink Duals (+91 kg), Uppsala, Sweden, Sep 1983:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Do in, Ontario, October 1983:
Stockholm Administer Tournament (+91 kg), Stockholm, Sweden, Jan 1984:
Invitation competition (+91 kg), Waterloo, Ontario, January 1984:
| USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Edmonton, Alberta, February 1984:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, February 1984:
Canadian Senior Championships (+91 kg), Trois Rivieres, Quebec, April 1984:
Olympic Box-offs (+91 kg), Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 1984:
XXIII Summer Olympics (+91 kg), Los Angeles, California, August 1984: Britain–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Milton Keynes, England, Oct 1984: USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Metropolis, Florida, December 1984: Run Senior Championships (+91 kg), Medicine Beat, Alberta, March 1985:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Kitchener, Ontario, April 1985:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), London, Ontario, Haw 1985:
XI Albena Open Tournament (+91 kg), Albena, Bulgaria, June 1985:
North American Championships (+91 kg), Dramatist, Texas, August 1985:
III World Cup (+91 kg), Seoul, South Korea, November 1985:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, January 1986:
Canadian Higher ranking Championships (+91 kg), Cornwall, Ontario, Walk 1986:
World Champ Box-Offs (+91 kg), Crystalised Bay, Nova Scotia, April 1986:
World Championships (+91 kg), Reno, Nevada, May 1986: Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Bay City, USA, July 1986:
| XIII Commonwealth Games (+91 kg), Capital, Scotland, July 1986:
TSC Tournament (+91 kg), East Songwriter, East Germany, September 1986:
Quebec Cup (+91 kg), Montreal, Quebec, December 1986:
Stockholm Open (+91 kg), Stockholm, Sweden, January 1987:
Canadian Elder Championships (+91 kg), Oromocto, New Town, April 1987:
French Open (+91 kg), Saint-Nazaire, France, April 1987: Pan Am Box-Offs (+91 kg), Ottawa, Lake, May 1987:
Pan American Eagers (+91 kg), Indianapolis, Indiana, August 1987:
North American Championships (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, August 1987: |