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| | Lennox Lewis from Britain is the world heavyweight champion. He has announced his retirement from boxing. At 38 years of age, he actually is only the third heavyweight to retire while still holding the title. The other two boxers are Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano. His last fight was seventh months ago against Vitali Klischko of the Ukraine.
Lennox Lewis, born September 2, 1965, West Ham, Great Britain is a Canadian and British professional boxer in the heavyweight category. Lewis was Olympic champion in 1988 in the heavyweight category (representing Canada). He was world champion in the heavyweight category (WBC, 1993-1994, 1997-2001 & 2001-2003; version IBF , 1999-2001 and 2001-2002; WBA, 1999).
Amateur career:
Lewis twice participated in the1984 and 1988 Olympics. In 1984, he lost on his way to the finals, after which, he decided to continue as an amateur for another 4 years. Lennox represented Canada in the Seoul Olympics, held in 1988. In the tournament finals, his opponent was Riddick Bowe from the USA. In the first two minutes of the first round, the rivals were sizing each other up and then Lewis hit Bowe's head with a right cross. The kick discouraged Riddick and soon he got the first knock down. In the second round, Lennox managed to make a few more successful attacks and twice made his opponent fall on the ring floor. The fight was stopped after the third knock down. Thus, Lennox became an Olympic champion.
The victory of Lewis in the Olympic Games was somewhat devalued due to the fact that the Olympic Games were boycotted by the traditionally strong boxing professionals.
Professional career:
In June 1988, Lennox made his debut in professional ring.
In June 1990, Lewis won over Ossie Ocasio, the former title contender, solely on points.
In March 1991, the fight was organized between two unbeaten prospects, Lennox Lewis and Gary Mason. In the 7th round, Lennox Lewis knocked out his opponent.
In July 1991, Lewis won over the former world champion, Michael Weaver, in the 6th knock out round.
In November 1991, Lewis knocked-out Tyrell Biggs, former title challenger, in the 3rd round.
The tournament, consisting of the 4 strongest heavyweights boxing champions of the world, was held in 1992 for the title of absolute champion. Two pairs were formed: Lennox Lewis - Donovan Ruddock and Evander Holyfield - Riddick Bowe. The winning pair should have to demonstrate their strength in the final.
In October 1992, Lewis won the first semifinal without much effort against Donovan Ruddock in just 2 rounds. In November 1992, Riddick Bowe, in a stubborn fight, won over prevailing WBC champion, Evander Holyfield on the basis of points. According to the rules, Bowe should be facing Lewis in his next bout, but recalling his defeat in the Seoul Olympics final, Bowe refused, deciding to hold a rematch with Holyfield. Since Lewis was a Briton, 2 out of 3 boxing organizations have decided not to avoid a return match. The WBC decided not to reconcile with the outrageous Bowe and decided to strip-off the belt. On learning about this decision, Bowe held a press conference and demonstratively threw the WBC belt into the dustbin. The WBC was not indebted: Bowe was thrown out of the organization's ratings forever.
In May 1993, defending his WBC title for the first time, Lewis decided to enter the ring against a very strong former champion Tony Tucker. Lewis won on points.
In October 1993, the champion knocked out British heavyweight Frank Bruno in the 7th round.
In May 1994, Lewis warmed up against the advancing opponent: he knocked out the less notable Phil Jackson in the eighth round.
A boxing bout was held between Lennox Lewis and concrete-jawed Oliver McCall. Lewis did not prepare well for the fight. As a result, Lewis missed the kick in the second round and fell on the canvas. He got up before the count of 10 but was unsteady on his feet. The referee decided to call-off the fight. This was the first defeat of Lewis. After the fight, Lewis demanded a rematch. McCall refused to fight Lewis.
Lennox Lewis Interesting Facts:
Lennox Lewis is a member of heavyweight boxer club of world champions, who defeated all his rivals in the professional ring. In addition to Lennox Lewis, the club includes Gene Tunney (world champion from 1926 - 1928, 65 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw), Rocky Marciano (world champion from 1952 - 1956, 49 matches in ring & 49 wins) and Riddick Bowe (world champion in 1992 and 1993, 44 fights, 42 wins, 1 loss, 1 abandoned). Rocky Marciano never lost a match in a professional boxing ring. Lewis lost to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, managing to win over them in rematches. Tunney lost to Harry Greb, whose fighting style was uncomfortable to Tunney. In three bouts, Tunney managed one draw, one loss and one win. The membership of Bowe is somewhat questionable and formally, as he actually lost both of his bouts against Andrew Golota, who was disqualified both times by judges for repeated blows below waistline. Also, Bowe, without citing any serious reasons, refused to fight against Lennox Lewis (it was mandatory to defend the title). Bowe lost to Lewis in the finals as an amateur in the Seoul Olympics in 1988. For refusing to fight Lewis, WBC stripped off his world title. Formally, in professional boxing, Riddick Bowe has suffered only one defeat - against Evander Holyfield in 1993, that cost him the WBA title. However, Bowe twice met Holyfield (before and after) and won both the bouts against him. |
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