Biography of Ted “Kid” Lewis:
| Ted “Kid” Lewis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gershon Mendeloff |
| 28 October 1894 | |
| Parish of St George in the East, London, England | |
| Died | 20 October 1970 |
| London, England | |
| Other names | The Aldgate Sphinx |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Light Heavyweight |
| Middleweight | |
| Welterweight | |
| Height | 5 ft 7.5 in (1.71 m) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 301 |
| Wins | 232 |
| Wins by KO | 77 |
| Losses | 46 |
| Draws | 23 |
Ted “Kid” Lewis, born Gershon Mendeloff on October 28, 1894, in the Parish of St George in the East, London, England, carved his name in boxing history as a formidable English-Jewish professional boxer. Despite his humble beginnings in the gas-lit tenements of London’s East End, Lewis rose to prominence with his exceptional boxing prowess and determination.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lewis was born into a working-class family, with his father earning a living as a cabinet-maker. His introduction to boxing came through his elder brother, Lou Lewis, who had already embraced the sport. It was a chance encounter with a police officer witnessing his street brawl skills that propelled Lewis into the boxing ring. Adopting the moniker “Kid” Lewis, he made his debut in 1909 and swiftly rose through the ranks, claiming titles and accolades.
Boxing Triumphs and Championships
Lewis’s career milestones include winning the British Featherweight Championship in 1913 and the European Featherweight title in 1914. His transition to lightweight and welterweight divisions saw him touring Australia and eventually landing in the United States, where he claimed victories and made history. Notably, Lewis became the first English boxer to defeat an American for a world title, capturing the World Welterweight Championship in a historic bout against Jack Britton in 1915.
Lewis’s journey into the world of boxing began in the heart of London’s East End, where he was born as Gershon Mendeloff in a gas-lit tenement on Umberston Street. His family’s modest background, with his father working as a cabinet-maker, provided little indication of the future boxing champion he would become. Inspired by his elder brother, Lou Lewis, who had already made a name for himself in the ring, young Gershon found himself drawn to the sport.
The pivotal moment came when a police officer, impressed by Gershon’s prowess in a street brawl, suggested he channel his talent into boxing. Embracing the opportunity, he entered the ring in 1909 under the moniker ‘Kid’ Lewis, joining the Judaean Club in Whitechapel. His early successes were swift, with victories that earned him the club’s Flyweight title and a cup of imitation silver.
In 1909, Lewis made the transition to professional boxing, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. His ascent was rapid, culminating in a defining moment on October 6, 1913, when he clinched the British Featherweight Championship with a 17th-round knockout of Alec Lambert at London’s National Sporting Club. The following year, on February 2, 1914, Lewis added to his accolades by seizing the European Featherweight title from French boxer Paul Til in a dramatic 12th round foul at London’s Premierland.
Eager to test his skills on a global stage, Lewis embarked on a journey that took him beyond British shores. In 1914, he campaigned as a lightweight and welterweight, venturing as far as Australia to showcase his talent. The following year saw Lewis crossing the Atlantic to the United States, where he faced off against Phil Bloom at New York’s Madison Square Garden, emerging victorious by decision.
From the gas-lit streets of London’s East End to the grand arenas of New York City, Ted “Kid” Lewis’s early career laid the foundation for a legacy that would transcend borders and captivate audiences around the world.
The Legendary Rivalry with Jack Britton
The rivalry between Lewis and Britton is legendary in boxing lore, marked by intense matches and mutual respect. Their bouts for the world title captivated audiences, with Lewis ultimately winning and losing the championship against Britton in a series of memorable encounters. Despite the ups and downs, their rivalry remains etched in the annals of boxing history as one of the greatest.
Reigning Champion and Title Defenses
Lewis’s reign extended beyond welterweight, as he claimed the British and European titles in multiple weight divisions. His encounters with renowned fighters like Georges Carpentier showcased his skill and resilience, solidifying his status as a boxing icon. Despite occasional setbacks, Lewis remained a dominant force in the ring, defending his titles and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Life Beyond Boxing
Retiring from boxing in 1929, Lewis returned to his roots in East London, where his fame and celebrity status persisted. His foray into the entertainment industry, including film roles and personal appearances, further cemented his legacy. However, Lewis’s involvement with controversial political figures like Oswald Mosley tarnished his reputation, though he later distanced himself from such affiliations.
Ted “Kid” Lewis’s post-boxing life was as varied and colorful as his illustrious career in the ring. Following his retirement from boxing in 1929, Lewis returned to his roots in East London, where he settled back into the rhythm of everyday life. However, his fame transcended the confines of the boxing world, thanks to his success in America, which had made him a household name in the UK and beyond. Lewis’s international celebrity status opened doors to new opportunities, including a stint in the movie industry.
Despite attempting to diversify his career by venturing into acting, Lewis found himself typecast in roles that capitalized on his boxing persona. Nevertheless, his association with Hollywood luminaries like Charlie Chaplin added to his allure, cementing his status as a cultural icon.
However, Lewis’s post-retirement endeavors weren’t confined to the realm of entertainment. He dabbled in various professions, from boxing trainer and manager to gambling bookmaker and haberdasher. His restless spirit led him down unconventional paths, including a stint as a bodyguard for Oswald Mosley’s New Party.
Lewis’s brief foray into politics soured when he clashed with Mosley over the latter’s anti-Semitic views, leading to a dramatic confrontation that saw Lewis sever ties with the controversial figure. Undeterred by setbacks, Lewis continued to navigate through life’s twists and turns, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.
During the early 1960s, Lewis found himself in the company of the notorious Kray twins, who welcomed the former champion into their inner circle. Their friendship provided Lewis with a glimpse into the shadowy world of London’s criminal underworld, adding another layer to his already fascinating life story.
In his final years, Lewis faced health challenges, including failing eyesight and Parkinson’s disease. Despite these obstacles, he found solace in the company of fellow residents at Nightingale House, a retirement home for the Jewish elderly in south London. His passing in October 1970 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on through the countless lives he had touched.
In recognition of his contributions to boxing and beyond, an English Heritage blue plaque was erected at Nightingale House in 2003, serving as a lasting tribute to a true legend of the sport. With his son Morton by his side, Ted “Kid” Lewis’s legacy continued to inspire future generations, ensuring that his name would forever be synonymous with greatness both inside and outside the ring.
Legacy and Honors
Lewis’s contributions to boxing were duly recognized with inductions into multiple halls of fame, including the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame. His remarkable career, characterized by resilience, skill, and sportsmanship, continues to inspire generations of boxers worldwide.
Final Years and Legacy
In his later years, Lewis battled health issues but found solace in a retirement home in south London. His passing in October 1970 marked the end of an era in boxing, but his legacy endures through stories of his legendary fights and contributions to the sport. In 2003, his impact was commemorated with an English Heritage blue plaque, a testament to his enduring influence on British boxing.
Ted “Kid” Lewis’s journey from the gas-lit streets of London’s East End to the pinnacle of boxing greatness is a testament to his tenacity and talent. Through triumphs and challenges, he remained a shining example of sportsmanship and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of boxing that will be remembered for generations to come.
