2. Ted 'Kid' Lewis 173-30-14, 71 KO, 65 ND

Born: Oct. 24, 1894

Died: Oct. 20, 1970

 

One of the very best boxers England has ever produced, Lewis was born Gershon Mendeloff in London in 1894.

 

He turned professional in 1909 at the age of fourteen. In 1913 he captured the British featherweight title and added the European featherweight title in 1914. An excellent boxer, he won the world welterweight championship from Hall of Famer Jack Britton on August 31, 1915 in the first of their incredible 20-fight rivalry. He lost the title to Britton in 1916, only to regain it on June 25, 1917 and lose it back to his nemesis via 9th round kayo in 1919.

 

Lewis, who held multiple British, European and British Empire titles, challenged for the world light heavyweight title held by Hall of Famer Georges Carpentier, but was kayoed in the first round in 1922.

 

A standout champion of his era, the relentless Lewis retired in 1929 with a remarkable 173-30-14 (71KOS), 65ND record. He died on October 20, 1970.