Lennox Lewis retained his heavyweight titles on this day in 2003 with a controversial sixth-round TKO over Vitali Klitschko. The fight was stopped due to a severe cut over Klitschko’s eye, despite the challenger leading on all three scorecards at the time.
The bout, which took place at the Staples Center, became the final chapter of Lewis’s Hall of Fame career. Klitschko, a significant underdog despite a 32-1 record, immediately proved to be a formidable opponent. He controlled the early action, winning the first two rounds and opening a cut under the champion’s left eye. Lewis was in a real fight.
But the champion responded in the third round. A powerful right hand from Lewis connected and opened a deep gash above Klitschko’s left eye. That single punch determined the outcome. Though the challenger continued to fight effectively and won the fourth round, the damage was severe and worsened as Lewis targeted it with clean shots over the next two rounds.
After the sixth round concluded, the ringside physician, Dr. Paul Wallace, examined the injury. He determined Klitschko could not safely continue, forcing referee Lou Moret to stop the contest. The official scorecards confirmed the challenger was ahead 58-56 across the board. Because the cut was caused by a legal punch, Lewis was declared the winner by technical knockout.
The result had immediate and lasting consequences for both fighters. Lewis initially suggested a rematch would happen, but it never materialized. He announced his retirement in February 2004, ending his career with a record of 41-2-1. For Klitschko, the loss was a strategic victory. His performance elevated his status, and less than a year later he captured the vacant WBC title, beginning a dominant championship reign that defined his own legacy.
