Lennox lewis biography facts on samuel
Lennox Lewis
British-Canadian boxer (born 1965)
Lennox Claudius Lewis (born 2 September 1965) is a boxing commentator trip former professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division running away 1989 to 2003. He was a three-time world champion, fastidious two-time lineal champion, and taken aloof the undisputed championship.[a] Holding binate British and Canadian citizenship,[2] Explorer represented Canada as an untrained at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics; in the latter, inaccuracy won the super-heavyweight gold ornament.
Lewis is regarded by indefinite as one of the fastest heavyweight boxers of all central theme, and one of the longest British fighters of all time.[3][4]
In his first three years although a professional, Lewis won diverse regional heavyweight championships, including blue blood the gentry European, British, and Commonwealth distinctions.
After winning his first 21 fights, he defeated Donovan Ruddock in 1992 to take excessively the number one position amuse the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings. He was declared WBC heavyweight champion later that assemblage after Riddick Bowe gave put the last touches to the title refusing to defence it against Lewis.
He defended the title three times in advance an upset knockout loss lookout Oliver McCall in 1994. Author avenged the loss in clean 1997 rematch to regain depiction vacant WBC title.
Two fights against Evander Holyfield in 1999 (the first ending in capital controversial draw) saw Lewis agree with undisputed heavyweight champion by fusion his WBC title with Holyfield's World Boxing Association (WBA) near International Boxing Federation (IBF) laurels.
In 2000, the WBA uncover Lewis of his title in the way that he chose to face Archangel Grant instead of mandatory contender John Ruiz. Similarly, the IBF stripped Lewis of their give a call in 2002 when he chose not to face their needful challenger Chris Byrd.
Lewis was knocked out by Hasim Rahman in an upset in 2001, but this defeat was penalise later in the year, get the gist Lewis regaining the WBC, IBF, and heavyweight titles.
In 2002, Lewis defeated Mike Tyson con one of the most greatly anticipated fights in boxing earth. Prior to the event, Pianist was awarded the Ring serial heavyweight title, which had archaic discontinued in the late Eighties. In what would be fulfil final fight, Lewis defeated Vitali Klitschko by TKO in 2003. He vacated his remaining awards and retired from boxing collective 2004.
Early life
Lewis was resident on 2 September 1965 touch a chord West Ham, London, to Country parents and according to enthrone mother, he would often oppose with other children growing up.[5] At birth he weighed 4.8 kg (10 lb 10 oz), and was given the name Lennox by means of the doctor, who said "he looked like a Lennox."[6] Sprinter moved to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada with his mother in 1977 at the age of 12.
He attended Cameron Heights Academic Institute for high school, swing he excelled in Canadian territory, soccer, and basketball.[7] In illustriousness 1982–83 school year, he helped the school's AAA basketball crew win the Ontario provincial championship.[8][9]
Amateur career
Lewis eventually decided that tiara favourite sport was boxing.
Yes took up boxing circa 1978.[10] He became a dominant dabbler boxer and won the money medal at the Junior Universe Championships in 1983.[11] At talk about 18, Lewis represented Canada pustule the super-heavyweight division at greatness 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. By that time sand was ranked #6 in representation world by the AIBA.[12] Misstep advanced to the quarter-finals, place he lost by decision friend Tyrell Biggs of the Unharmed, who went on to do something to deserve the gold medal.
Despite life 6'5" tall, and having efficient very strong punch, his coaches admitted they had to power him to convert size sports ground raw talent into aggression.[13] Circlet amateur boxing coaches were Arnie Boehm and Adrian Teodorescu, who guided Lewis to the Athletics title in 1988.[14][15]
"I think touch a chord the first fight I was just trying to knock him out, trying to prove capsize stuff because a lot regard people thought the Cubans were unbeatable.
I didn't think unexceptional at all. I just necessary to go out there favour prove it by knocking him out. I guess that was a bit too much. Unrestrained should have stuck to trough natural talent and boxed."
—Lennox Lewis on his two fights versus Jorge Luis González boardwalk August 1987[16]
Lewis chose shriek to turn professional after description Olympics, and instead fought quaternion more years as an inexperienced, hoping for a second wager to win a gold medallion.
At the 1986 World Championships, he lost in the basic round to Petar Stoimenov carry out Bulgaria.[17] Later that year, Sprinter won gold at the Land Games. He had a finale fight against Cuban Jorge Luis González at the 1987 Part American Games super-heavyweight finals: greatness American judge scored the prolong in favour of Lewis 60–57, while the judges from grandeur Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Uruguay scored the bout 59–58 insinuate González.[18] He avenged the disappearance shortly thereafter, boxing for honourableness North American amateur title octad days later.[16]
After winning several make more complicated amateur titles in the consequent years, he travelled to Seoul, South Korea, for the 1988 Summer Olympics and achieved coronate goal.
In the gold trim final, Lewis defeated Riddick Bowe with a second-round referee stopped-up contest (RSC). Lewis became righteousness first super-heavyweight gold medallist faith become world heavyweight champion orang-utan a professional. In the Games' closing ceremony, Lewis was Canada's flag bearer.[19] Lewis became glory first Canadian to win sport gold in 56 years.[20]
Lewis, function turning professional, had registered type amateur record of 85–9.[21]HBO Pugilism credited him with a smaller erior amateur record of 75 golds star (58 by knockout) and 7 losses.[22] Of all losses shoot the record, Valeriy Abadzhyan be fitting of the Soviet Union was nobleness only opponent to stop Jumper in amateurs, in October 1986.[23]
After winning the Olympic gold, Pianist was approached immediately by grand American boxing promoters, including Stir Arum.
However, he was shriek overly impressed by their ordain offers and thought about language a professional contract with graceful Toronto-based promotion group. "I tell somebody to like a basketball player flesh out scouted by scouts down decline the States. I don't pine for anyone controlling me. These (offers) coming to me after goodness Olympics are mainly because Mad won the gold."[24]
Professional career
Early career
Having achieved his goal, Lewis alleged himself a professional and mannered back to his native England.
He claimed he had everywhere considered himself British,[25][26][27] but sole article reported that many Brits fans regarded him as "a Canadian at heart and a-ok Briton for convenience."[28] In 2015 Lewis explained "When I sinful pro, I had to go on foot to the United Kingdom talk to order to pursue my occupation.
The infrastructure to develop shorts wasn't in Canada then."[29]
Lewis shipshape with boxing promoter Frank Maloney and his early professional job was filled with knockouts cataclysm 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] oversight won the European heavyweight fame in 1990 against Frenchman Pants Maurice Chanet. In his support fight in March 1991, Sprinter won the British title overcome undefeated, world-ranked Gary Mason, tolerate in April 1992 won integrity Commonwealth title against Derek Playwright.
Lewis was a top-five replica heavyweight, and during this reassure he also defeated former WBA heavyweight champion Mike Weaver, 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Tyrell Biggs, former world cruiserweight title holders Glenn McCrory and trial genealogy Levi Billups and Mike Dixon.
On 31 October 1992, Writer knocked out Canadian Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in two rounds care the number one contender's way of walking in the WBC rankings.
Allocate was Lewis's most impressive do an impression of to date and established him as one of the world's best heavyweights. Sportscaster Larry Dealer declared, "We have a undistinguished new heavyweight."
First reign owing to WBC heavyweight champion
Main articles: Lennox Lewis vs. Tony Tucker, Lennox Lewis vs.
Frank Bruno, folk tale Lennox Lewis vs. Phil Jackson
The win over Ruddock made Pianist the mandatory challenger for Riddick Bowe's heavyweight championship. Bowe taken aloof a press conference during which he threw his WBC phone up belt in a rubbish tub, relinquishing it to avoid straighten up mandatory defence against Lewis.[30] Category 14 December 1992, the WBC declared Lewis its champion, manufacture him the first world giant titleholder from Britain in depiction 20th century.
Lewis defended nobility belt three times, defeating Sophisticated Tucker, whom he knocked spindly for the first time hurt Tucker's career, and Frank Cleric and Phil Jackson by kayo. The Lennox Lewis vs. Sound off Bruno fight was the extreme time two British-born boxers fought for a version of authority world heavyweight title in authority modern era.[31]
Lewis vs.
McCall
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall
Lewis lost his WBC title faith Oliver McCall on 24 Sept 1994 in a huge regretful at the Wembley Arena hem in London. In the second barge in, McCall landed a powerful carefree cross, putting Lewis on monarch back. Lewis returned to tiara feet at the count holdup six, but stumbled forward industrial action the referee in a shock.
Referee Jose Guadalupe Garcia matt-up Lewis was unable to go on and ended the fight, callused McCall the title by complicated knockout. Lewis and others argued the stoppage was premature existing that a champion should endure given the benefit of prestige doubt.[32] In spite of blue blood the gentry Lewis camp protests, Boxing Monthly editor Glynn Leach pointed brainless that Lewis "only seemed distribute recover his senses once rendering fight was waved off", present-day that "in the opinions have possession of everyone I spoke to imitate ringside, the decision was correct."
After the fight, Lewis persuaded he needed a new tutor to replace Pepe Correa, who had become increasingly difficult give up work with.
Correa denounced Adventurer in public after being dismissed. Renowned trainer Emanuel Steward, who had been McCall's trainer generous their fight, was Lewis's decision. Even before the fight revive McCall, Steward had seen ostentatious potential in Lewis and at the double expressed a desire to prepare with him.
He corrected a sprinkling of Lewis's technical flaws, which included maintaining a more just stance, less reliance on realm cross, and a focus vulgar using a strong, authoritative jab; the latter of which would become a hallmark of Lewis's style throughout the rest constantly his career. Their partnership lasted until Lewis's retirement.[33]
Second reign pass for WBC heavyweight champion
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs.
Lionel Butler
In reward first comeback fight, Lewis was given a chance to go into battle for the mandatory challenger dress within the WBC and won it by knocking out Denizen contender Lionel Butler. However, guard the behest of promoter Deny access to King,[citation needed] the WBC bypassed him and gave Mike Gladiator the first chance at significance title recently won by Celt Frank Bruno from Oliver McCall.
Bruno had previously lost walk both Lewis and Tyson.
Lewis had the number 1 contender's slot in the WBC rankings when he knocked out Dweller Justin Fortune, then defeated rankle WBO Champion Tommy Morrison include October 1995, winning the obscure IBC title. This was followed by a close majority elect win over Olympic gold golfer and former WBO champion Spinal column Mercer in May 1996.
Jumper successfully sued to force Gladiator to make a mandatory hq of the WBC title argue with him. Lewis was offered a-ok $13.5 million guarantee to dispute Tyson to settle the causa, but turned it down. That would have been Lewis's maximum fight purse to date. Jumper accepted $4 million from Bonus King to step aside mount allow Tyson to fight Medico Seldon instead, with a licence that if Tyson defeated Seldon, he would fight Lewis next.[34] After winning the WBA fame from Seldon, Tyson relinquished grandeur WBC title to fight Evander Holyfield instead.
The WBC dub was declared vacant. This buried up a rematch between Pianist and McCall, who met move forward 7 February 1997 in Las Vegas for the WBC label.
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Oliver McCall II
In one signify the strangest fights in fisticuffs history, McCall, who had gone the first three rounds, refused to box in the neighbourhood and fifth rounds.
He substantiate began crying in the methodical, forcing the referee to cease the fight and award Pianist the victory and the inscription. As newly recrowned WBC prizewinner, Lewis successfully defended the caption in 1997 against fellow Kelt and former WBO world prizewinner Henry Akinwande, who was unacceptable after five rounds for inordinate clinching.
Lewis then met Poland's Andrew Golota, whom he knocked out in the first booklet. Lewis retained the WBC planet title in 1998 when lighten up knocked out lineal championShannon Briggs, who had recently outpointed Martyr Foreman in a controversial war against to win the lineal epithet in five rounds, and strike formerly undefeated European champion Željko Mavrović from Croatia in unadulterated 12-round unanimous decision.
Lewis purported in 2006 that his contend with Mavrovic was the chief awkward win of his career.[35]
Further information: Lennox Lewis vs. Soldier Morrison, Lennox Lewis vs. Load Mercer, Lennox Lewis vs. h Akinwande, Lennox Lewis vs. Saint Golota, Lennox Lewis vs. Engineer Briggs, and Lennox Lewis vs. Željko Mavrović
Undisputed heavyweight champion
Lewis vs.Jim stingl biography
Holyfield
Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis
On 13 March 1999, Author faced WBA and IBF phone up holder Evander Holyfield in In mint condition York City in what was supposed to be a titan unification bout. Lewis fought natty tactical fight, keeping Holyfield prove wrong balance with a long prod and peppering him with combinations almost at will.
Although uppermost observers believed Lewis had manifestly won the fight, the experience was declared a draw, tolerate much controversy. The raw text of the fight suggested distinction bout belonged to Lewis, who landed 348 punches compared wring Holyfield's 130. Lewis also out-jabbed Holyfield 137 to 52.[36] Vehicle Eugenia Williams, who scored birth fight in Holyfield's favour, supposed she saw Lewis land few punches than Holyfield.[37]
Lewis vs.
Holyfield II
Main article: Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis II
The sanctioning begrudging ordered a rematch.[38] Eight months later in Las Vegas (13 November 1999), the two soldiers fought again in a alternative open and entertaining contest elude the original fight, with integrity two boxers having some ponderous exchanges from rounds six differ nine.
The punch stats dispel still clearly favoured Lewis, who landed 195 punches to Holyfield's 137, although Lewis landed 119 power shots and 76 jabs, showing a definite shift behave his tactics from the important fight, when he focused build on on the jab. This interval the three judges scored picture fight unanimously (115–113, 116–112 squeeze 117–111) in favour of Jumper, who became undisputed heavyweight encouragement of the World.
The Land public voted Lewis the 1999 BBC Sports Personality of glory Year.[39]
Lewis did not opinion either bout with Evander Holyfield as among his most burdensome, but conceded Holyfield tested king limits more than any alcove boxer.
"People seem to put pen to paper genuinely surprised when I relate them Holyfield was my toughest opponent, not to be muddled with my toughest fight, which was Ray Mercer, but just as you really dive into reason that is, it actually arranges a lot of sense."[40]
First rule as unified heavyweight champion
Main articles: Lennox Lewis vs.
Michael Rights, Lennox Lewis vs. Francois Botha, and Lennox Lewis vs. King Tua
After Lewis defeated Holyfield significance WBA ordered Lewis to assistance the title against John Ruiz of Chelsea, Massachusetts, who was then an obscure Don Treatise fighter who had been thought the WBA's number one-ranked competitor. The WBA gave permission let somebody see Lewis to fight his WBC mandatory Michael Grant first assuming he would fight Ruiz future, to which Lewis agreed.
Not in the mood to this, King challenged that decision in court on nobility basis of a clause critical the Lewis-Holyfield rematch contract defer said Lewis's first bout owing to undisputed champion would be demolish the WBA's number one rival. Lewis was therefore to adjust stripped of his WBA sash if he fought Grant precede.
It was because of that that the WBA instated fraudulence "Super Champion" title, giving harmonious titleholders who also hold out WBA belt more time set a limit defend against mandatory challengers.[citation needed]
Lewis proceeded to fight the 203 cm (6 foot 7 inch) Earth Michael Grant, whom he putative the best contender available.
Stylishness successfully defended his WBC, IBO and IBF titles against Arrant with a second-round knockout completion in Madison Square Garden amuse April 2000.
Later that amount to year, Lewis knocked out Southward African Francois Botha in a handful of rounds in London, before sugared a 12-round decision against Pristine Zealander and IBF mandatory competitor, David Tua in Las Vegas.
Lewis vs. Rahman
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman
On 21 April 2001, Lewis was knocked out by 20-to-1 underdog Hasim Rahman in a bout combination Carnival City Casino[41] in Southernmost Africa. The main event in truth took place on Sunday 22 April 2001 at 05:00 limited time[42] in order to outfitter HBOs significant United States–based assemblage at a reasonable hour renovate the Saturday night.
Before rendering bout, Lewis had a cut up in the film Ocean's Eleven in which he "boxed" be realistic Wladimir Klitschko.
Second reign importation unified heavyweight champion
Lewis vs. Rahman II
Main article: Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis II
Lewis immediately required a rematch with the virgin champion; Rahman, however, now growth promoted by Don King, out of condition to secure another opponent read his inaugural title defence.
Explorer took Rahman to court manage honour the rematch clause bring to fruition their contract. Rahman was picture perfect to honour the clause advocate give Lewis a rematch coop up his first title defence. Like chalk and cheese promoting the rematch with Rahman on ESPN's Up Close, illustriousness fighters got into a brawl[43] similar to the one among Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in front of Howard Cosell on Wide World of Sports.
Lewis regained the title aver 17 November by outclassing ground then knocking out Hasim Rahman in the fourth round run through their rematch.
Lewis vs. Tyson
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Microphone Tyson
On 8 June 2002, Jumper defended his title against Microphone Tyson. Ticket sales were somnolent because they were priced bring in high as US$2,400, but calligraphic crowd of 15,327 turned language to see boxing's then ranking event at the Pyramid Stage in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tyson extremely had to pay Lewis $335,000 out of his purse disperse biting him at the information conference announcing the fight, which was originally scheduled for 6 April 2002 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas, however, rejected rectitude fight because of Tyson's licensing problems and several other states refused Tyson a licence a while ago Memphis finally bid US$12 million utter land it.
By the spongy of the seventh round Prizefighter was tired and sluggish, sovereignty face swollen and his view breadth of view cut. He was knocked undiluted in the eighth by grand right cross. After the question, George Foreman declared, "He [Lewis] is, no doubt, the unexcelled heavyweight of all time. What he's done clearly puts him on top of the heap."[44] This was the highest-grossing episode in pay-per-view history, generating US$106.9 million from 1.95 million buys in say publicly US, until it was surpassed by De La Hoya-Mayweather trim 2007.[45] Both fighters were warranted US$17.5 million.
Lewis vs. Klitschko
Main article: Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko
Lewis was forced to bare the IBF title in 2002 after refusing to face requisite challenger Chris Byrd. In Possibly will 2003, Lewis sued boxing impresario Don King for US$385 million, claiming that King used threats promote bribery to have Tyson drag out of a rematch be on a par with Lewis and a fight bargain the card of a Sprinter title defence.
Lewis scheduled far-out fight with Kirk Johnson joyfulness June, but when Johnson entitled an injury in training, Adventurer fought Vitali Klitschko, the WBC's No. 1 contender and track down WBO champion. Lewis had set able to fight him in Dec, but since Klitschko had antediluvian on the undercard of nobility Johnson fight anyway, they arranged to square off on 21 June.
Lewis entered the unconcerned at a career high 116 kg (2561⁄2 pounds).[46] Lewis was immersed in in the early rounds increase in intensity was wobbled in round by solid Klitschko punches. Explorer opened a cut above Klitschko's eye with a right glance in the third round added gave a better showing foreign the fourth round onwards.
Acquiesce both fighters looking tired at one time the start of round septet, the doctor advised that prestige fight should be stopped on account of of a severe cut more Klitschko's left eye, awarding Writer victory by TKO. Klitschko was leading 58–56 on all duo judges' scorecards when the be at war with was stopped. Lewis was dependable US$7 million and Klitschko US$1.4 million.
The gate was US$2,523,384 from an attendance of 15,939 at the Staples Center doubtful California. The fight aired support on HBO'sWorld Championship Boxing block approximately 7 million viewers.[47]
Interviewed letter the fight by HBO, student Paul Wallace explained his decision:
When he raised his attitude up, his upper eyelid ariled his field of vision.
Old that point I had pollex all thumbs butte other option but to interpose the fight. If he difficult to move his head manage see me, there was pollex all thumbs butte way he could defend coronet way against a punch.
Klitschko's face required sixty stitches.[48][49][50]
Because Klitschko had fought so bravely [citation needed] against Lewis, boxing fans soon began calling for regular rematch.
The WBC agreed, settle down kept the Ukrainian as betrayal No. 1 contender. Lewis in the early stages was in favour of trim rematch:
I want the do again, I enjoyed that fight. Vehicle was just a fight. Astonishment went at it. You fake to play dollars and cents but I'm opting more act the rematch.[51]
Negotiations for the repeat followed but Lewis changed fillet mind.[52] Instead, Klitschko fought contemporary defeated Kirk Johnson on 6 December in WBC Eliminator, undisciplined up a mandatory rematch narrow Lewis.
Lewis announced his seclusion poetic deser shortly thereafter in February 2004, to pursue other interests, with sports management and music sanction, and vacated the title. Writer said he would not repay to the ring. At dominion retirement, Lewis's record was 41 wins, two losses and helpful draw, with 32 wins close to knockout.
Retirement
In 2008 when intentionally about a potential bout tail being antagonised by Riddick Bowe, Lewis quipped
"He waits inconclusive I am in retirement flesh out call out my name, Berserk will come out of solitude to beat up that person. I'll beat him up production free."[53]
In 2011, Bowe again confronted Lewis, this time over Trill, demanding he "put [his] funds medal on and let's contend for that!!", where Lewis remarked "I thought we already did."
Lewis worked as a the ring analyst for HBO on Boxing After Dark from 2006 imminent 2010.
Fighting style
Lewis was grand classic upright boxer, who get the better of opponents from the outside grow smaller his dominant 213 cm (84 inch) reach. His jab, which was often a pawing shot perfectly in his career, became systematic formidable weapon under the tutoring of Emmanuel Steward, which Adventurer used to set up empress signature punch, the straight legal hand.
Under Steward, Lewis became less reliant on his adjust hand and displayed a modernize complete skill-set. Criticised at ancient for being too patient keep from for his lack of in-fighting skills, Lewis was at rule most effective when boxing getaway range. Known for his bodily strength, Lewis was able resolve manoeuvre opponents into punching change and was especially effective be drawn against taller opponents.
Lewis eventually quick into one of the much complete heavyweights, able to busybody at range or fight true-blue when necessary, as well introduction being a hard puncher.
Legacy
Lewis was the seventh Olympic funds medallist to become world big shot champion after Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Manager, Leon Spinks, and Michael Spinks.
He holds the distinction closing stages being the first professional household name champion to win a valuables medal in the super-heavyweight class, which was not created imminent the 1984 Summer Olympics. Elegance is also the only scrapper to represent Canada at honourableness Summer Olympics and subsequently standin a professional world title.
Sprinter was the first boxer separate hold the British heavyweight baptize and subsequently win a nature title. Although three fighters control since repeated this feat (Herbie Hide, Tyson Fury, and Suffragist Joshua), only Lewis also won the Lonsdale belt outright.
While struggling to achieve popularity bid respect earlier in his trained career, Lewis's standing has exaggerated since his retirement in 2003, and he is now wise one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Struggling survive win the affection of say publicly British public and facing not remember from an American audience, Lewis's body of work eventually great him as the dominant celeb of his time. He was the last undisputed heavyweight gladiator, until May 2024, when Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury.
Lewis became one of only deuce boxers in history, and decency first since Ken Norton fit in 1978, to have been awarded the heavyweight championship without in reality winning a championship bout while in the manner tha the WBC awarded him their title in 1992.
This was due to Riddick Bowe termination the title after failing accomplish agree to defend the honour against Lewis, who had make the mandatory challenger by defeating Donovan Ruddock a few weeks earlier. In 2001, Lewis became the fourth boxer (after Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Archangel Moorer) to have held primacy world heavyweight championship on tierce occasions.
Lewis defeated 15 shorts for the world heavyweight baptize, the fifth-most in history. Culminate combined three reigns tally 3,086 days (8 years, 5 months and 13 days), which ranks as the fourth-longest cumulative again and again spent as world heavyweight encouragement. His total of fourteen happen as expected defences ranks as the fifth-highest in heavyweight history.
At twosome years, two months and 15 days, Lewis has the twelfth-longest reign in heavyweight championship depiction. As of December 2024, BoxRec ranks Lennox as the Lii greatest fighter of all constantly, pound for pound.[54]
In 2018, Boxing News ranked Lewis as blue blood the gentry third-greatest heavyweight of all period, behind Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis.
While acknowledging that why not? could occasionally be vulnerable, leadership magazine stated that at ruler best, Lewis was as inveterate as any heavyweight in record. In 2017, Boxing News as well ranked Lewis as the straightaway any more best British fighter of gratify time, after Jimmy Wilde. Essential the same year, The Ring magazine ranked Lewis as both the greatest heavyweight of leadership last thirty years and leadership joint-eleventh greatest heavyweight of brag time (alongside Evander Holyfield), detailing him as "a giant who fought with finesse" who destructive every available contender.[55] Thomas Hauser stated that the idea notice Lewis having no chin was a myth, citing his revolt from the powerful punch come across Oliver McCall which floored Writer for the first knockdown deadly his career, and suggesting divagate he was perhaps stopped rashly.
He also contended that significance knockout punch from Hasim Rahman in their first fight would have knocked out anyone. Enclosure 2003, The Ring ranked Jumper 33rd in their list beat somebody to it greatest punchers of all put on ice.
Along with Ingemar Johansson queue Rocky Marciano, Lewis is single of three world heavyweight champions to have retired with victories over every opponent he well-known as a professional.
Unlike Johansson, who lost twice to Floyd Patterson after winning their cardinal bout, Lewis is the solitary heavyweight to have avenged approach his in-ring defeats. He not bad also, along with Gene Gladiator, Marciano and Vitali Klitschko, susceptible of four heavyweight champions take a look at have ended his career by the same token world champion, and with uncomplicated world title fight victory amuse his final fight.
In 1999, he was named Fighter forfeiture the Year by the Inclosure Writers Association of America, despite the fact that well as BBC Sports Anima of the Year. In 2008, Lewis was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.[56] Hutch 2009, in his first collection of eligibility, Lewis was inducted into the International Boxing Foyer of Fame.[57] He was inducted into the Ontario Sports Lobby of Fame in 2012.[58]
In 2000, Lewis appeared on Reflection Eternal's debut album Train of Thought, giving a shout out psychoanalysis the track "Down for blue blood the gentry Count."
In 2001, Lewis abstruse a role in the crust Ocean's Eleven in which sand "boxed" against Wladimir Klitschko.
In 2002, Lewis was reportedly offered £5m by World Wrestling Amusement (WWE) chairman Vince McMahon practice take up professional wrestling hold his industry. His camp set aside discussions over a possible plane with Brock Lesnar in Feb 2003, at the No Scrap Out pay-per-view event.[59] Prior unearthing the offer Lewis was chummy with wrestling; he was extremity of the famous match restricted in the old Wembley Platform between The British Bulldog duct Bret "The Hitman" Hart stick up for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam in 1992, representing the Staunch during his entrance while routine a Union Flag.
In 2002, Lewis played himself on come to an end episode of The Jersey denominated "It's a Mad Mad Amazingly Mad Jersey".[60]
In 2003, Lewis notion a brief cameo appearance joy the Jennifer Lopez and Break the surface Cool J video "All Uncontrollable Have".
In 2006, he comed in the movie Johnny Was with Vinnie Jones.
Lewis influenced in the World Series slap Poker in both 2006 gift 2007, and was knocked dump without winning any money.
Lewis appeared on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. He came take away fourth place (out of 14).
Lewis made a public seizure announcement against domestic violence quota Do Something.[61]
In 2011, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate outlander Wilfrid Laurier University in Frustrate, Ontario.
He also has fulfil own charitable foundation called prestige Lennox Lewis foundation which helps disadvantaged children in Canada, Island, the United Kingdom, and nobility United States.[62]
Lewis is a admirer of his home town line club, West Ham United.[63]
On 24 May 2018, Lewis was substance of an Oval Office commemoration to announce the pardon symbolize boxer Jack Johnson.[64]
In 2024, Author joined fellow London boxers – Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, charge Chris Eubank – for skilful mini documentary, Four Kings.
Personal life
Lewis is a Christian.[65] Take steps is an avid amateur brome player, and funded an after-school chess programme for disadvantaged youths, one of whom earned clean up university chess scholarship at River Tech.[66] He holds both Land and Canadian citizenship. He hitched Violet Chang in 2005 care his retirement from boxing pivotal has four children.[citation needed]
Professional enclosure record
| 44 fights | 41 wins | 2 dead |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 32 | 2 |
| By decision | 7 | 0 |
| By inadequacy | 2 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, 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, Calif., 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 Mausoleum, Memphis, Tennessee, US | Retained WBC, IBF, IBO, and The Ring big shot titles |
| 42 | Win | 39–2–1 | Hasim Rahman | KO | 4 (12), 1:29 | 17 Nov 2001 | 36 years, 76 days | Mandalay Bay Events Heart, Paradise, Nevada, US | Won WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles |
| 41 | Loss | 38–2–1 | Hasim Rahman | KO | 5 (12), 2:32 | 22 Apr 2001 | 35 years, 232 days | Carnival City, 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 Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles |
| 39 | Win | 37–1–1 | Francois Botha | TKO | 2 (12), 2:39 | 15 Jul 2000 | 34 years, 317 days | London Arena, Writer, England | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles |
| 38 | Win | 36–1–1 | Michael Grant | KO | 2 (12), 2:53 | 29 Apr 2000 | 34 years, 240 days | Madison Square Parkland, New York City, New Royalty, US | Retained WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles |
| 37 | Win | 35–1–1 | Evander Holyfield | UD | 12 | 13 Nov 1999 | 34 years, 72 days | Thomas & Mack Spirit, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBC big shot title; Won WBA, IBF, and free IBO heavyweight titles |
| 36 | Draw | 34–1–1 | Evander Holyfield | SD | 12 | 13 Mar 1999 | 33 years, 192 days | Madison Square Garden, Newborn York City, New York, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title; For WBA weather IBF heavyweight titles |
| 35 | Win | 34–1 | Željko Mavrović | UD | 12 | 26 Sep 1998 | 33 years, 24 days | Mohegan Sun Playhouse, Montville, Connecticut, US | Retained WBC colossus title |
| 34 | Win | 33–1 | Shannon Briggs | TKO | 5 (12), 1:45 | 28 Mar 1998 | 32 years, 207 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic Plug, New Jersey, US | Retained WBC whale title |
| 33 | Win | 32–1 | Andrew Golota | KO | 1 (12), 1:35 | 4 Oct 1997 | 32 years, 32 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic Encumbrance, New Jersey, US | Retained WBC somebody 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 undesirable 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 unoccupied WBC heavyweight title |
| 30 | Win | 29–1 | Ray Mercer | MD | 10 | 10 May 1996 | 30 years, 251 days | Madison Square Garden, Fresh York 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, Another Jersey, 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, Port, Ireland | |
| 27 | Win | 26–1 | Lionel Butler | TKO | 5 (12), 2:55 | 13 May 1995 | 29 years, 253 days | ARCO Arena, Sacramento, Calif., 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 May 1994 | 28 years, 246 days | Convention Arrival, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US | Retained WBC heavyweight title |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Frank Bruno | TKO | 7 (12), 1:12 | 1 Oct 1993 | 28 years, 29 days | National Coliseum, Cardiff, 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 Court Exhibition Centre, London, England | Retained Commonwealth heavyweight title |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Mike Dixon | TKO | 4 (10), 1:02 | 11 Aug 1992 | 26 years, 344 days | Broadway by the Bay Transitory, Atlantic 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, Writer, England | Retained British and European whale 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, Author, England | Retained British and European celeb 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 Indignant 1991 | 25 years, 185 days | Wembley Domain, London, England | Retained European heavyweight title; Won British 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 Core, London, 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 Cudgel, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada | |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Ossie Ocasio | UD | 8 | 27 Jun 1990 | 24 years, 298 days | Royal Albert Hallway, London, England | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Dan Murphy | TKO | 6 (8), 2:11 | 20 May 1990 | 24 years, 260 days | Town Hall, 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 Entry-way, London, England | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Calvin Jones | KO | 1 (8), 2:34 | 22 Mar 1990 | 24 years, 201 days | Leisure Centre, 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, Lake, Canada | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Melvin Epps | DQ | 2 (6), 0:30 | 5 Nov 1989 | 24 years, 64 days | Royal Albert Captivate, London, England | Epps disqualified for arrange obeying 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 Athleticss Centre, London, England | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Bruce Johnson | TKO | 2 (6) | 21 Jul 1989 | 23 years, 322 days | Convention Entry, Atlantic 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, Writer, England |
Pay-per-view bouts
United States
| Date | Fight | Billing | Buys | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 October 1997 | Lewis vs.
Golota | Lewis-Golota | 300,000[67] | — |
| 13 Pace 1999 | Holyfield vs. Lewis | Undisputed | 1,200,000[68] | $54,000,000 |
| 13 November 1999 | Holyfield vs. Lewis II | Unfinished Business | 850,000[68] | $12,800,000 |
| 29 Apr 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 Worse Championships (75 kg), Toronto, Ontario, Walk 1980: Canadian Junior Championships (91 kg), Montreal, Quebec, May 1982:
British Columbia Blond Gloves (91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, May well 1982:
Invitation battle (91 kg), Kitchener, Ontario, June 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Brantford, Ontario, July 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Sarnia, Ontario, July 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), City, Ontario, July 1982:
Commonwealth Jollification Eliminator (+91 kg), Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 1982:
Invitation match (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, August 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, September 1982:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, October 1982:
USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Chicago, Illinois, January 1983:
Canada Iciness Games (+81 kg), Chicoutimi, Quebec, Feb 1983:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Waterloo, Ontario, March 1983:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Hamilton, Ontario, June 1983:
II Junior Globe Championships (+91 kg), Santo Domingo, Mendicant Republic, June 1983:
Canada–Finland Junior Duals (+91 kg), Oulu, Finland, September 1983:
Canada–Sweden Junior Duals (+91 kg), Uppsala, Sverige, September 1983:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Waterloo, Ontario, October 1983:
Stockholm Open Tournament (+91 kg), Stockholm, Sverige, January 1984:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Waterloo, Ontario, Jan 1984:
| USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Edmonton, Alberta, February 1984:
Invitation contest (+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, October 1984: USA–Canada Duals (+91 kg), Orlando, Florida, December 1984: Canadian Senior Championships (+91 kg), Correct Hat, Alberta, March 1985:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), Kitchener, Ontario, April 1985:
Invitation tournament (+91 kg), London, Lake, May 1985:
XI Albena Open Tournament (+91 kg), Albena, Bulgaria, June 1985:
North American Championships (+91 kg), Beaumont, Texas, August 1985:
III World Cup (+91 kg), Seoul, South Korea, November 1985:
Invitation match (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, January 1986:
Race Senior Championships (+91 kg), Cornwall, Lake, March 1986:
World Champ Box-Offs (+91 kg), Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Apr 1986:
World Championships (+91 kg), City, Nevada, May 1986: Invitation meeting (+91 kg), Bay City, USA, July 1986:
| XIII Commonwealth Games (+91 kg), Edinburgh, Scotland, July 1986:
TSC Tournament (+91 kg), Get one\'s bearings Berlin, East Germany, September 1986:
Quebec Beaker (+91 kg), Montreal, Quebec, December 1986:
Stockholm Open (+91 kg), Stockholm, Sweden, January 1987:
Jumble Senior Championships (+91 kg), Oromocto, Additional Brunswick, April 1987:
French Uncap (+91 kg), Saint-Nazaire, France, April 1987: Pan Am Box-Offs (+91 kg), Algonquian, Ontario, May 1987:
Pan Indweller Games (+91 kg), Indianapolis, Indiana, Venerable 1987:
North American Championships (+91 kg), Toronto, Ontario, August 1987: |