Lewis Admitted Defeat to Mercer in 1996
A disputed decision over Ray Mercer kept Lewis' record clean, altering the path to his undisputed title reign.
Lennox Lewis reportedly admitted he lost to Ray Mercer in 1996, a confession that fundamentally alters the narrative of his heavyweight dominance. The May 1996 bout ended with a controversial decision for Lewis, but the scorecards told a different story than the action in the ring. Mercer bullied the champion for large stretches, landing the heavier blows and cutting Lewis, who appeared to struggle with the pressure.
The official verdict kept Lewis’s record pristine, avoiding a third professional loss before his prime years truly peaked. This victory stood in stark contrast to the two blemishes he eventually suffered and avenged against McCall and Hasim Rahman. Mercer claims Lewis approached him after the fight and told him, "You won," a sentiment that has lingered in boxing circles for decades.
