For many fans, Lennox Lewis was involved in some of their all-time favourite boxing moments and will go down as one of, if not the, best heavyweight to lace up the gloves.
The Hall of Famer called himself the ‘pugilist specialist’ and was known for his superb jab and ability to stop people once it had worn them down.
He retired back in 2003 but remains a prominent voice in the sport as well as a huge figure in the heavyweight division given his label as the last undisputed champion was only just taken by Oleksandr Usyk 25 years on.
Speaking to Hoss Magazine, Lewis was asked about the one moment from his career he replays in his mind and, rather than any success in the paid ranks, went with his Olympic run in the super-heavyweight division.
Despite having the opportunity to turn pro after a Bronze in ’84, Lewis opted to stick around as an amateur for four more years. It paid in Gold.
“There are so many different moments but if I had to pick one I would say the Olympics, the ’88 Olympics. I went to the ’84 Olympics where I lost to Tyrell Briggs in the quarter-final and got a bronze medal.
But the ’88 Olympics I decided I was still young, I still had a lot of time, I was still going to school. Let me go for the 88 Olympics where I will be a lot better, I will have a lot more experience and let me win a Gold Medal for Canada.”
Lewis – with a final amateur record of 85–9 – turned professional the following year and went on to have 44 bouts before retiring in 2003. He lost just twice, both times by knockout, but avenged both defeats while also stopping 31 of his opponents and drawing just once.
Marquee victories came over the likes of Mike Tyson, Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield and Frank Bruno.
