Often referred to as one of the greatest boxers of all-time, Lennox Lewis transcended the sport he excelled in, and has the recognition to prove it. A three-time world heavyweight champion, Lewis joins the Canada Games Hall of Honour in recognition of his athletic achievements earned throughout an illustrious career.

Born in London, England, Lewis enjoyed early success in multiple sports, and after moving to Kitchener, ON as a youth, quickly developed an interest in the sport of boxing. By age 15, his talent had developed so rapidly that it became difficult to find opponents to match with. It was a sign of great things to come. 

Lewis would go on to represent Team Ontario in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean 1983 Canada Games, the beginnings of what would develop into a lengthy string of dominance, as he became the world amateur junior champion later that same year.

He attributes much of his early success to his appearance in the Canada Games, noting important lessons that helped him succeed in his later career.

“Representing Ontario at the Canada Games was a major milestone in my early career”, says Lewis. “It taught me discipline, focus, and gave me the chance to test myself and grow as a competitor.”

Following his participation in the Games, he earned a spot on the Canadian national team in 1984, leading to his first Olympic Games appearance in Los Angeles. Using a quarter final loss as motivation, Lewis continued to improve, winning gold in the super heavyweight division in the 1986 Commonwealth Games. 

The pinnacle of Lewis’ amateur career however, was realized during his second Olympic Games appearance in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. Lewis won an Olympic gold medal, the first for Canadian boxing since 1932. Named Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony, this crowning achievement earned Lewis his place as a Member of the Order of Canada the same year.

Lewis turned pro the following year in 1989, and over a 14-year professional career amassed a record of 41 wins (32 knockouts), two losses and one draw.  When Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World in 1999, it cemented his legacy as one of the greats. 

His boxing prowess has certainly not been limited to his own participation in the ring. Lewis’ involvement in boxing has transcended beyond the sport itself, optimized in the founding of the Lennox Lewis League of Champions in 2013 in partnership with his wife, Violet. The goal of the foundation is to implement programming to underserved communities through Canada, Jamaica, the UK and United States, ultimately providing better opportunities to learn life skills for children with limited resources. 

A legend in the Canadian boxing community, Lewis hopes his induction into the Hall of Honour can inspire those looking to follow in his footsteps. 

“Being inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour is a full-circle moment. It’s a reminder of where the journey began, and it’s an honour to be recognized by the very platform that helped shape my path — not just as a boxer, but as a young man with big dreams. I hope my story shows the next generation that anything is possible when you dream big, commit to excellence and never give up.”