Alvin Lewis, also known as Al Lewis, (November 12, 1942 – January 31, 2018) was an American professional boxer who fought in the heavyweight division under the alias "Al "Blue" Lewis". A powerful adversary to many, "Blue" Lewis beat: Cleveland Williams, Billy Joiner, Bill McMurray, Eduardo Corletti, and Bob Stallings.
Al Lewis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alvin Lewis November 12, 1942 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 31, 2018 (aged 75) Flint, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Blue |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | heavyweight |
| Stance | orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 31 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 1 |
Lewis was a long-term sparring partner of Muhammad Ali and is mentioned in Ali's autobiography. He also sparred with, among others, George Foreman before the champion's match with Ken Norton.
Professional career edit
Lewis was born in Detroit and, after a troubled youth background, turned professional in June 1966 in Canton, Ohio. In his debut Lewis faced "Clown Prince" Art Miller. Lewis won this fight with a 1st round knockout.[1]
One fight was struck from his record when the Licensing Authority in Illinois determined that the opponent was not licensed to fight in Illinois and had been a last minute substitution.
Other matches edit
He accrued 15 wins from his debut. In his sixteenth bout, Bob Stallings stopped him in seven in 1967. Lewis won their rematch a year later by a 2nd round knock out. Lewis also fought Leotis Martin twice a while later, losing the first by KO in 9 and the direct rematch by decision. Lewis outpointed fringe contender Dick Wipperman in 1967.
He fought an ageing Cleveland Williams whom he stopped in four in 1970, Oscar Bonavena against whom he lost by disqualification after decking Oscar several times in 1971 and Jack O'Halloran, against whom he lost on points in 1973.[1]
The Ali fight edit
He is best remembered for a non-title fight with Muhammad Ali, which took place at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland on July 19, 1972.[1] Outclassed, Lewis was down in the 5th. While it looked like it would end then and there, he then surprised many by rallying forward and launching unexpected counter offensives, typically after an Ali burst. It wasn't enough however, and he was ultimately stopped in the 11th round. The Lewis-Ali event is described in the documentary film, When Ali Came to Ireland.
Retirement edit
He last fought in November 1973. His retirement was sudden and unexpected. A Ring Magazine article said he had been helping a priest with a broken-down car when the battery sparked, spitting acid from the engine-bay into one of his eyes. This injury caused his boxing license to be revoked.
Lewis's final record was 30W(19Ko's)-6L-0D.
Death edit
Lewis died in Flint, Michigan, on 21 January 2018, at the age of 75. His death was not significantly publicized.[2]
Professional boxing record edit
Exhibition boxing record edit
| 1 fight | 0 wins | 0 losses |
|---|---|---|
| Non-scored | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | 0–0 (1) |  Muhammad Ali
|
— | 3 | Jun 15, 1967 | Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
|
Non-scored bout |
References edit
- ^ a b c Boxrec. "Alvin Lewis". Boxrec Fighter Page. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ^ "Alvin Lewis Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information". Legacy.com. January 26, 2018.
- ^ "Alvin Blue Lewis - Boxer". Archived from the original on May 21, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
External links edit
- Boxing record for Alvin Lewis from BoxRec (registration required)
- Brief biography
- Article on Lewis
- Video of the Ali–Lewis fight on YouTube
- Footage of Rounds 8, 9 & 10 of the fight with Ali on YouTube
- Round by round newspaper account of Lewis vs Ali from New York's Irish Arts Center's Fighting Irishmen, A Celebration of the Celtic Warrior
- The Week Ali Charmed Ireland