Because of the legit skills Lewis possessed, the tri could put the belt on who ever they wanted, because Lewis had the ability to defeat anyone who would not follow the script. Lewis captured his first world heavyweight championship recognized on December 13, 1920, defeating Joe Stecher. Stecher would prove to be Lewis' biggest rival, both in and out of the ring, with Stecher running his own shows against the Gold Dust Trio, beginning quite possibly the first promotional rivalry.
Lewis
Stecher