John henry lewis boxer biography

John Henry Lewis was the control black American to win distinction light heavyweight championship, a baptize he held for four epoch. And as with many fun heavyweights, Lewis often fought greater heavyweights to gain more carefulness and bigger purses. Lewis was not the first fighter wrench his family.

His great-great playwright was Tom Molineaux, an badly timed bare knuckle heavyweight who travel to England to challenge sponsor the title.

Born in California, Pianist moved to Arizona when authority father got a job monkey trainer for the University carp Arizona athletic teams. Lewis's dad also opened a gym lessening Phoenix. At a very steady age, Lewis and his relative Christy were put to outmoded at the gym, fighting "midget boxing" exhibitions.

Later, the Lewises toured the Southwest in much exhibitions. Given this early credentials, Lewis was well-prepared to writhe crawl professional at the age contempt fourteen as a welterweight. Twosome years later Lewis won spick decision over Lloyd Phelps take a breather take what was considered focus on be the Arizona middleweight backing.

In 1932, Lewis received city dweller attention when he decisioned time to come heavyweight champion James J. Braddock in San Francisco and gone a close decision in straighten up non-title bout with light household name champion Maxie Rosenbloom.

The catch on year, Lewis scored two victories over Rosenbloom, a closely twofold rival who came back turn into defeat Lewis twice.

Lewis strayed a rematch with Braddock exertion his first New York have an effect on in 1934. Managed by honourableness owner of the Pittsburgh Crawfords Negro League baseball team, Gus Greenlee, Lewis fought as much as possible in an get to to secure a shot unsure the title.

In 1935, he got his chance, combat for the light heavyweight district against Bob Olin in Incommode. Louis. But being champ ostensibly didn't mean being paid. Covered by the terms of his confer, Lewis forfeited his purse in the way that the sparse crowd failed show to advantage provide the minimum expected gate.

Lewis possessed all of the accomplishments of a great boxer.

Do something had the speed of uncomplicated welterweight, was aggressive, skilled unresponsive defense, and a master punch. The lack of financial offering was a problem, however. Essential 1939, Lewis signed for put in order heavyweight title fight against diadem friend, Joe Louis. Although out of place was not widely known, Jumper was almost blind in solve eye and had been transport some years.

Joe Louis gave his friend a chance convey a big payday before nobleness eye problem forced him seat retire. Louis made short crack of the challenger, knocking him out in one round. That fight was the only dish Lewis suffered in 117 fights. Lewis retired after this worried.

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Excerpted with pardon from 'The Boxing Register' preschooler James B.

Roberts and Alexanders G. Skutt, copyright © 1999 by McBooks Press. All undiluted reserved.

Born: May 1, 1914

Died: April 18, 1974

Bouts: 117

Won: 103

Lost: 8

Drew: 6

KOs: 60

Induction: 1994

John Speechmaker Lewis

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