The Linear, Legitimate and Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World

Lennox Lewis.

Born in London, England to a mother of Jamaican descent and grew up in Ontario, Canada.

Fifth place in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Defeated American Riddick Bowe by knockout in the final.

As "number one contender", was ducked by Bowe until Bowe was stripped of his WBA world champion's belt (which Bowe famously disposed of in a garbage can). The belt was then awarded to Lewis.

Defeated the two other fighters that rival Lewis for the title of "best heavyweight of their generation": Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.

Defeated up-and-comers: Vitali Klitschko; Michael Grant; Shannon Briggs; David Tua; Zeljko Mavrovic; Henry Akinwande; Tommy Morrison; Tony Tucker; Donovan "Razor" Ruddock.

Defeated top-tier heavyweights: Andrew Golota; Francois Botha; Ray Mercer; Frank Bruno; Tyrell Biggs; Mike Weaver.

Career record of 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts.

His only two losses were by one-punch knockouts to Lewis' chin: once to Oliver McCall and once to Hasim Rahman.

Lewis' one draw came in the first Holyfield fight, though nearly every trained observer believed Lewis clearly won the match.

One of the only fighters in history to have defeated every man he ever faced (Lewis defeated McCall, Holyfield, and Rahman in rematches).

The only heavyweight to retire as reigning champion since Rocky Marciano nearly fifty years earlier.

Three-time heavyweight champion of the world -- an elite group which includes Mohammed Ali and Holyfield.

Stood an imposing 6'5" inches tall and typically weighed in between 235-240 pounds. Had an 84" reach.

Had the ability to knock opponents out with a variety of punches, including: right and left uppercuts; straight rights; overhand rights; and, most notably, right hooks.

For nearly ten years, the Lewis right hand was the most feared weapon in heavyweight boxing.

Famously and repeatedly introduced as champion by Michael Buffer as the "linear, legitimate and universally recognized undisputed heavyweight champion of the world."

Physically dictated and controlled the pace of every match he ever participated in.

Lennox Lewis: the best heavyweight of his generation.