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OLYMPIC CHAMPION LEWIS VICTORIOUS IN
EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
Tuesday 26 February 2002
Canada's Olympic Super-Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis made a convincing start to his pro career tonight, scoring a 5th round TKO victory over Joe Cox of St. Louis, Missouri.
Fighting in the Main Event of the opening fight card of the HBF's Canadian Boxing League, Lewis was never troubled in a dominant performance, one that showed he will be a major player in the coming years of the federation.
Lewis took each round quite easily against a game, though clearly out-classed, opponent. Cox showed a lot of heart, but really, his efforts were akin to throwing water against a brick wall and expecting it to fall. Lewis landed a total of 160 punches at 50%, while Cox managed 59 at 26%.
As those stats show, Lewis displayed an impressive defense, slipping and evading many of Cox's punches, the majority of which were left jabs. Cox used the punch to try and keep his bigger opponent at bay, but it was an impossible mission. Lewis was constantly pressing Cox, cutting off the ring, never giving him a moment's rest. It was an aggressive, overwhelming performance.
Cox tasted the canvas for the first time 1:49 into the fifth round. He was quick to rise, but might have been better served to stay down and recuperate for a few seconds. Lewis came in with merciless intent, finishing off his opponent in brutal fashion. A crushing uppercut, a sizzling right cross and a punishing four-punch combination were enough to convince referee Octavio Meyran to call a halt to the contest at the 2:36 mark of the fifth round.
"I don't think I could have made a better start to my career," Lewis said. "You know, it was a good workout. I'm happier with this, rather than, say, an early knockout. We got some rounds under the belt, and I'm very happy with the way I ended the fight. It feels like I've been waiting a year for this night, and now that it's happened, I really can't wait to get back in the ring again."
Indeed, Lennox Lewis has announced his arrival amongst the ranks of professional boxing in comprehensive fashion. Another name has been added to the already long list of potential future World Champions fighting under the banner of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation...
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