Alvin Lewis (boxer)

Al Lewis
Statistics
Real name	Alvin Lewis
Nickname(s)	Blue
Rated at	heavyweight
Nationality	American
Born	1943 Detroit, Michigan,
Stance	orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	36
Wins	30
Wins by KO	19
Losses	6
Draws	0
No contests	0

Alvin Lewis, also known as Al Lewis, (born 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, United States) is a professional boxer who fought in the heavyweight division under the alias "Al "Blue" Lewis". Lewis was a long-term sparring partner of Muhammad Ali and is mentioned in Ali's autobiography. He was a well-known powerful gym adversary. He also sparred with, among others, George Foreman for the Champ's then upcoming match with Ken Norton.

Professional career

After a troubled youth background, Lewis turned professional in June 1966 in Canton, Ohio, United States. In his debut Lewis faced "Clown Prince" Art Miller. Lewis won this fight with a 1st round knockout.^[1]

Other matches

He accrued 15 wins from his debut. But then Bob Stallings stopped him in seven in 1967. But 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

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, which he lost by an 11th round TKO.^[1] Lewis was outclassed. Down in the 5th it looked like the end. But he rallied onwards. He then surprised many by launching offensives just when it wasn't expected, typically after an Ali burst. The Lewis-Ali event is described in the documentary film, When Ali Came to Ireland.

Retirement

He last fought in November 1973. His retirement then came suddenly and unexpected. A Ring Magazine article detailed he'd stopped to help a Priest with a broken down car. In looking in the engine bay the battery sparked spitting acid in one eye which meant his licence was revoked.

Lewis's final record was 30W(19Ko's)-6L-0D.

Professional boxing record

References

1. Boxrec. "Alvin Lewis". Boxrec Fighter Page. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
2. http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=9389&cat=boxer

External links

• Professional boxing record for Alvin Lewis from BoxRec
• 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