Harry Lewis was World Welterweight Champion 1908-1912. Ring Magazine's Nat Fleischer ranked Lewis "the 6th greatest welterweight of all-time".
Lewis, whose fighting weight ranged from 130-155 pounds, defeated Mike “Twin” Sullivan in February 1907, two months before Sullivan took the World Welterweight title from champion Honey Mellody. When Sullivan outgrew the Welterweight division a year later, Lewis claimed the vacant crown, fortifying his claim with a three-round KO of #1 title claimant Frank Mantell in January 1908, and a four-round knockout of ex-champ Mellody three months later.
Lewis successfully defended his title six times, until weight problems forced him to vacate the title. During the years he laid claim to the Welterweight crown, Lewis fought 54 times, defending his title six times. Within that period he registered 40 victories, including 22 knockouts, with seven losses (two by foul), and drew seven. Most of his fights during those years were in heavier weight classes.
Many of Lewis’ bouts from 1910 to 1913 were staged in France and England. One remarkable feat took place May 19, 1910 in Paris, at which time Lewis dispatched three opponents on the same card. That afternoon, in less than five full rounds, he recorded a first round KO, a two round KO, and a third match victory on an opponent’s second round foul.
Harry Lewis’ professional record: 171 bouts, won 110 (47 KOs-1 foul), lost 36 (2 by KO, 3 on fouls), drew 24, one no contest.
