Lennox Lewis: A Boxing Legend And Beyond

Scope 01 Apr 2025

Quick Facts About Lennox Lewis

Category:: Richest Athletes › Boxers
Net Worth:: $140 Million
Birthdate:: Sep 2, 1965 (59 years old)
Birthplace:: West Ham, London, England
Gender:: Male
Height:: 6 ft 4 in (1.949 m)
Profession:: Professional Boxer, Actor

How Much Is Lennox Lewis Worth?

Let’s talk about Lennox Lewis, a name that resonates deeply in the world of boxing. This former professional boxer, who became a three-time heavyweight champion, boasts an impressive net worth of $140 million. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British boxers of all time, Lewis made history with his 2002 fight against Mike Tyson, which drew a record-breaking 1.95 million Pay-Per-View buys. Over the course of his career, Lennox earned staggering amounts from guaranteed purses and, especially, from PPV bonuses. Just that one Tyson fight alone netted him around $50 million. Beyond the ring, Lennox has been recognized for his achievements, earning honors such as being appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (CM) in 1998 and a Commander of the Most Excellent British Empire (CBE) in 2002.

From Birth to Boxing: Lennox’s Early Years

Lennox Claudius Lewis was born on September 2, 1965, in West Ham, London, England. His parents had Jamaican roots, and Lennox’s journey was anything but ordinary. When he was born, he tipped the scales at over 10 pounds, setting the tone for his larger-than-life presence. At the age of 12, Lennox moved to Ontario, Canada, with his mother, where he attended Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute in Kitchener, Ontario. His love for sports was evident early on, as he played Canadian football, soccer, and basketball during his school years.

However, it was at the age of 13 that Lennox discovered his true passion—boxing. He quickly immersed himself in training and soon emerged as a formidable amateur boxer. In 1983, Lewis claimed a gold medal at the Junior World Championship, and by the age of 18, he was representing Canada in the Super-Heavyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite advancing to the quarterfinals, he lost to Tyrell Biggs of the United States, who eventually won the gold medal. Nevertheless, this experience fueled Lennox’s determination to return to the Olympics in 1988. After winning a gold medal that year in Seoul, South Korea, he became the first Canadian boxer to claim gold in 56 years.

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The Professional Rise of Lennox Lewis

After his amateur success, Lennox returned to his native England in 1989 to launch his professional boxing career. Partnering with boxing promoter Frank Maloney, Lewis embarked on an undefeated streak for his first 22 professional fights. By 1992, he had risen to prominence, securing a fight against Donovan "Razor" Ruddock. The stakes were high, as the winner would face either Riddick Bowe or Evander Holyfield. After knocking out Ruddock in the second round, Lewis was handed the World Boxing Championship title in December 1992, making him the first British world heavyweight champion in the 20th century.

Success followed, with Lewis successfully defending his title three times. However, in 1994, controversy struck when he lost his title in a technical knockout decision, despite standing up by the count of six. Determined to reclaim his status, Lennox hired renowned trainer Emmanuel Steward and began his comeback. A pivotal moment came in 1997 when Lewis defeated Oliver McCall in Las Vegas after McCall refused to continue the fight following the third round. In 1998, Lennox faced Evander Holyfield, and after a controversial draw, a rematch eight months later saw Lewis crowned as the undisputed heavyweight champion. His legacy was further solidified in 2002 with a victorious defense against Mike Tyson. After retiring in 2004, Lewis left behind an impressive record of 41 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 32 of those wins by knockout.

Beyond the Ring: Lennox’s Other Ventures and Personal Life

Lennox Lewis didn’t let his success in boxing define him entirely. He ventured into music, appearing on the American hip-hop duo Reflection Eternal’s 2000 debut album, "Train of Thought." The following year, he took on a minor role in "Ocean’s Eleven," alongside Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. In the film, he even sparred with Wladimir Klitschko. His acting credits also include a cameo in the music video for Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J’s hit song "All I Have" in 2003. Beyond the screen, Lennox appeared as himself in the comedy sports show "The Jersey" in 2002 and participated in the World Series of Poker in 2006 and 2007, though he didn’t walk away with any winnings.

On the personal front, Lennox is married to Violet Chang, who finished as the runner-up in the 2002 Miss Jamaica competition. The couple resides in Miami Beach and shares three children together. Beyond his family, Lennox is passionate about giving back. He funded an after-school chess program aimed at teaching underserved kids, showcasing his commitment to community engagement. In 2008, he also lent his voice to a public service announcement for a domestic violence awareness campaign called Do Something, further highlighting his dedication to causes beyond boxing.

Meta Description:

Discover the incredible life and career of Lennox Lewis, from his early days as an amateur boxer to his status as a three-time heavyweight champion with a net worth of $140 million. Explore his ventures beyond boxing and his personal life.