LEWIS, LENNOX-MICHAEL GRANT SOUVENIR BOXING GLOVE (2000)

HISTORY: Lennox Lewis fought Michael Grant on April 29, 2000 at Madison Square Garden in New York in defense of his heavyweight title. Lewis put Grant down in the first round and knocked him out in the second round in a highly anticipated fight. On November 13, 1999, WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis defeated WBA/IBF heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield by a 12-round unanimous decision to become the first Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion since Riddick Bowe in 1992. When Lewis and Holyfield signed to fight, they agreed that the winner's next bout would be against the WBA's top contender. However, in February 2000, it was announced that Lewis would fight Michael Grant, the No. 5 contender, on April 29. The WBA agreed to sanction the fight on the condition that the winner agree to fight the top contender within 180 days. Don King, the promoter of John Ruiz, the No. 1 contender, filed suit to force the WBA to strip Lewis and allow Ruiz to face Holyfield, the No. 2 contender, for the vacant title. On April 12, 2000, a federal judge ruled that the WBA could not sanction the Lewis-Grant bout and that Lewis must surrender the WBA title if he fought Grant. Lewis went through with the fight against Grant and was stripped of the WBA title. "I don't care what they say," Lewis said. "I'm still undisputed." Lewis earned $7.5 million and Grant $3.5 million. There was a crowd of 17,324. The fight generated 350,000 pay-per-view buys. Lewis landed 47 of 80 punches, while Grant connected on 22 of 47. Grant was knocked down three times in the first round and once in the second round. Presented here is an original, souvenir boxing glove which was made up for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, red leather, souvenir boxing glove made by Everlast. On the backhand in white print are the words, Trump Plaza Invites You to the Heavyweight Championship of the Millennium LEWIS VS. GRANT at Madison Square Garden April 29, 2000. Left hand glove. Clean. No noticeable flaws. 12 ounce boxing glove. 12" long.