30 years ago
Lennox Lewis vs Lionel Butler
Date: 13th May 1995
Venue: Arco Arena, Sacramento, CaliforniaTitle: WBC World Heavyweight Title Eliminator
Referee: Marty Denkin
Tv: HBO Sports
Lennox Lewis
(
25
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 248 lbs
Lionel Butler
(
22
-
10
-
1
)
Weight: 261 lbs
On May 13, 1995, Lennox Lewis returned to the ring at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, to face Lionel Butler in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator. For Lewis, this fight represented a critical step in his bid to reclaim the WBC championship he had lost to Oliver McCall the previous year. Now, under the guidance of esteemed trainer Emanuel Steward, Lewis entered the bout as the clear favourite, aiming to reassert his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Weighing in at 248 pounds, Lewis appeared heavier and more composed than in previous outings. His opponent, Lionel Butler, came in at 261 pounds, riding the momentum of a 16-fight winning streak that had rejuvenated a career once marred by inconsistency. Butler's earlier struggles, reflected in a shaky record of 6-10-1 to start his career, had been overshadowed by a string of knockouts, though his recent opponents were not of Lewis's calibre.
From the opening bell, Lewis established control, utilizing his superior reach and technical skill to keep Butler at a distance. Butler, known for his punching power, sought to close the gap and land a decisive blow but struggled to penetrate Lewis's jab and footwork. The pattern of the fight became clear early, with Lewis methodically breaking down his opponent while avoiding any significant threats.
By the fifth round, Butler's defensive vulnerabilities were fully exposed. Lewis began to unleash his arsenal with greater frequency and precision, landing a series of power shots that visibly staggered the American challenger. Midway through the round, Lewis sent Butler to the canvas with a well-timed right hand for the first time. Butler rose but appeared disoriented, and Lewis wasted no time pressing the attack. Moments later, another combination forced Butler to the floor once more. Referee Marty Denkin intervened at 2:55 of the round, declaring Lewis the winner by TKO.
The victory ensured Lewis a rematch with Oliver McCall for the WBC title, setting the stage for him to reclaim the championship. For Butler, the loss marked the end of his remarkable but unlikely resurgence.
The fight, attended by 8,103 spectators and broadcast on HBO Sports, reaffirmed Lewis's status as a top contender and showcased the immediate impact of Steward's influence on his tactical approach. This methodical dismantling of Butler served as a prelude to Lewis's eventual return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, with his sights firmly set on avenging his lone defeat.
Lennox Lewis vs Lionel Butler on YouTube
