Lennox Lewis. “The best heavyweight of all time – what he’s done puts him on top of the heap.”
Not the words of punch-lines. Though we side by every word delivered the legendary George Foreman.
And, for those of you reading this in the North-East of England, the Greatest of all Time is on his way to see us. Gateshead Leisure Centre is the venue and Tuesday November 5 is the date.
Lennox is coming to NE8 to talk about his life and career. And there is a lot to listen to, given he was on top of the world for pretty much a decade from the mid90s to mid00s.
He was something special, a boxer who could pretty much do anything. One of the best jabs in the business. Even when he didn’t win which was rare ((his final record was 41-2-1 with 32 KOs), he evened up the score in re-matches.
Doubtless he’ll talk of his wins over Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko and his systematic beating of Mike Tyson in his penultimate fight.
It will be just as fascinating to learn about his early times. Born and raised in East London he made his name in Canada, striking super-heavyweight gold in the 1988 Olympics before returning to the UK to turn pro under Frank Maloney. He climbed the ladder the old-fashioned way by becoming British, Commonwealth and European champion before winning the WBC title in 1993 against Razor Ruddock.
He became undisputed champion in 1999 thanks to victory over Holyfield.
Doubtless we’ll hear about Lewis’s insights on the current heavyweight scene, which is exciting in the extreme.
Now you are likely to see him doing some TV punditry, which he does with aplomb, which makes us confident that Tuesday night’s appearance in Gateshead will be a smooth, entertaining and enlightening experience.
Gateshead is the fourth date of his UK tour and tickets start from £39 for entry only with VIP entry at £89 which includes a photo with the legend or £229 for pic, signed glove and priority seating for Lennox’s interview.
In a video sent out to fans, Lewis says: “Hey, the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for 25 years ids going to be in Gateshead on November the 5. Make sure you come and check me out and hear how I disposed of Mike Tyson. Yes, I’m the Pugiilist Specialist!”
Ring calling 0191 250 5066 for your tickets or click here to book tickets.
Words: Roy Kelly
