Who was the first boxer to defeat Lennox Lewis in a professional bout?

The first boxer to defeat Lennox Lewis in a professional bout was Oliver McCall. The two heavyweights faced off on September 24, 1994, at Wembley Arena in London, England. McCall shocked the boxing world by knocking out Lewis in the second round, handing him his first professional loss.

Oliver McCall, also known as "The Atomic Bull," had a record of 24 wins and 5 losses before facing off against the undefeated champion, Lennox Lewis. Despite being considered the underdog, McCall's powerful right hand proved to be too much for Lewis to handle. The knockout victory catapulted McCall to fame and established him as a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division.

The loss to McCall was a major setback for Lennox Lewis, but he would go on to avenge his defeat in a rematch two years later. In their second bout on February 7, 1997, Lewis defeated McCall by technical knockout in the fifth round, reclaiming his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Lennox Lewis went on to have a storied career in boxing, becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion and one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. His fights against the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko solidified his legacy in the sport.

Despite the loss to Oliver McCall early in his career, Lennox Lewis showed resilience and determination in bouncing back and achieving greatness in the world of boxing. The defeat served as a learning experience for Lewis, motivating him to train harder and become an even better fighter.

In conclusion, Oliver McCall was the first boxer to defeat Lennox Lewis in a professional bout, but Lewis ultimately emerged victorious in their rematch. The rivalry between the two fighters added an exciting chapter to the history of heavyweight boxing and showcased the resilience and skill of both competitors.

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