Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be inducted into the 2009 International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Great British boxer makes Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility
Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will have his legacy confirmed in the sport after being named as an inductee to the 2009 International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Three-time heavyweight champion of the world Lewis headlines the class of 2009 that will be inducted at the 20th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend on June 11-14 in Canastota, New York.
43-year-old Lewis has been handed the honour in the first year of his eligibility and seals his position as one of the sport's greats.
Lewis retired in 2003 with a record of 41-2-1, with 32 knockouts and some landmark victories over the likes of Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.
Defeats
His only two professional defeats, surprising losses against Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, were both avenged, and Lewis was thrilled to hear the news.
"Everybody, when they start something, always wants to leave some kind of legacy behind," said Lewis.
"I've been able to accomplish that. To be put in the Hall of Fame is an accomplishment that seals my legacy.
"It will always be there in history. People can read about it. It gives me great pride."
An Olympic gold medallist for Canada, Lewis announced himself with a stunning knockout of Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in 1992.
Lewis then had two memorable bouts with Holyfield, one a controversial draw and the second a unanimous decision to unify the heavyweight division.
Top six
"He definitely belongs in the top six heavyweights of all-time and would have been a threat to any heavyweight champion in history because of his size, his balance and his all-around skill," said Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.
"Lennox Lewis could do whatever he had to do to win a fight. He was a very diversified heavyweight champion."
Joining Lewis are American bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales and South African junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell.
Posthumous honourees are middleweight champion William "Gorilla" Jones, welterweight champion "Mysterious" Billy Smith and middleweight champion Billy Soose in the Old-Timer Category.
"We're extremely excited about the class of 2009 and very much looking forward to honouring the 20th class of inductees," executive director Edward Brophy said.
"All living inductees are anticipated to attend and participate in 2009 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities."
