Boxing body gives Lewis world crown
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LENNOX LEWIS became the first British-born boxer to hold a version of the world heavyweight championship this century when the World Boxing Council awarded him its title yesterday.
Riddick Bowe, who lost to Lewis in the super-heavyweight final at the 1988 Olympic Games, claimed the undisputed title last month by defeating Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas. The WBC insisted that the American should make his first defence against Lewis and threatened to strip him of the crown if that fight was not arranged by early January.
Bowe saved the council the trouble by giving it up voluntarily yesterday and castigating the organisation for the way it had treated him.
At a news conference in London, Bowe said: 'The WBC is wrong and I will not be intimidated by them. I am the heavyweight champion of the world and today I am withdrawing my recognition of them.' With that, he dropped the WBC championship belt into a waste bin.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments