Harry Lewis (boxer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harry Lewis (Harry Besterman; September 16, 1886 – February 22, 1956), was an American boxer.
Lewis was born in New York City. He was World Welterweight Champion 1908-12. Ring Magazine's Nat Fleischer ranked Lewis "the 6th greatest welterweight of all-time."
[edit] Boxing career
The red-headed Lewis fought out of Philadelphia when he began his professional career in 1903. Losing only once in his first 48 fights, Lewis was a contender by 1906.
Lewis, whose fighting weight ranged from 130-155 pounds, defeated Mike “Twin” Sullivan in February 1907, two months before Sullivan took the World Welterweight title from champion Honey Mellody. When Sullivan outgrew the Welterweight division a year later, Lewis claimed the vacant crown, fortifying his claim with a 3-round KO of # 1 title claimant Frank Mantell in January 1908, and a 4-round knockout of ex-champ Mellody three months later.
Lewis successfully defended his title 6 times, until weight problems forced him to vacate the title. During the years he laid claim to the Welterweight crown, Lewis fought 54 times, defending his title 6 times. Within that period he registered 40 victories, including 22 knockouts, with 7 losses (2 by foul), and drew 7. Most of his fights during those years were in heavier weight classes.
Many of Lewis’ bouts from 1910 to 1913 were in France and England.
One remarkable feat took place May 19, 1910, in Paris, at which time Lewis dispatched three opponents on the same card. That afternoon, in less than 5 full rounds, he recorded a 1st round KO, a 2-round KO, and a 3rd match victory on an opponent’s 2nd-round foul.
He defeated Johnny Summers in England in a title bout in January 1911, but relinquished his welterweight title two months later.
Lewis remained in Europe for the majority of the next two years, fighting occasionally but without the frequency of his early career.
Lewis' last career fight was in October 1913 against Joe Borrell in Philadelphia. Lewis collapsed after a blow to the jaw in the 5th-round as the punch caused a bloodclot and Lewis lingered near death for days. He recovered, but suffered partial paralysis -- and continued to live for another 43 years.
His rival, Willie Lewis, said of Lewis, "What Harry doesn't know about boxing isn't worth learning."[1]
Harry Lewis’ professional record over 171 bouts was W--110 (47 KOs-1 foul), L--36 (2 by KO, 3 on fouls), drew 24, one no contest.
[edit] Hall of Fame
Lewis was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.[2]
Lewis was elected posthumously to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and will be inducted on June 8, 2008.[3]
He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
