Born in London, Lennox Lewis moved to Canada at the age of 12 but always felt a strong connection to his British roots. He began his boxing journey by winning Olympic gold as a super-heavyweight at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Tyrell Biggs in ’84, Lewis persevered and compiled an impressive 85-9 amateur record. His decision to turn professional in the UK was motivated by a lack of infrastructure for developing boxers in Canada at that time.
After signing with Frank Maloney, Lewis quickly established himself as a gifted and powerful heavyweight with the potential to become a world champion. He secured victories over notable opponents such as Jean-Maurice Chanet, Gary Mason, and Glenn McCrory, showcasing his skill and determination. By avenging his amateur loss to Biggs and claiming the Commonwealth belt in addition to his British and European titles, Lewis signaled his intent to conquer the heavyweight division.
Lewis’s path to the world title was not without obstacles. Despite defeating Donovan “Razor” Ruddock and Tony Tucker to capture the WBC championship, he suffered a shocking upset loss to Oliver McCall in 1994. This defeat prompted Lewis to make changes, including hiring Emanuel Steward as his trainer, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback. With Steward’s guidance, Lewis embarked on a dominant run, avenging his loss to McCall and overcoming challenges from top contenders like Tommy Morrison and Shannon Briggs.
Despite setbacks against Hasim Rahman and Vitali Klitschko, Lewis’s legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time is secure. His epic victory over Mike Tyson in 2002, following a storied rivalry, cemented his status as a boxing legend. With a career spanning over three decades, Lewis faced every challenge head-on and emerged victorious every time. In retirement, he is revered as a true great who left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. Lennox Lewis’s story is one of triumph, redemption, and the enduring legacy of a champion.