CANASTOTA (New York) - THREE-TIME heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis headlines the 2009 class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced here on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old retired in 2003 with a record of 41-2-1, including 32 knockouts.

The Briton enters the hall in his first year of eligibility.

Joining Lewis are American bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales and South African junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell.

'We're extremely excited about the Class of 2009 and very much looking forward to honouring the 20th class of inductees,' Executive director Edward Brophy said in a statement.

'All living inductees are anticipated to attend and participate in 2009 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.'

Posthumous honourees are middleweight champion William 'Gorilla' Jones, welterweight champion 'Mysterious' Billy Smith and middleweight champion Billy Soose in the Old-Timer Category.

The 20th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 11-14th. -- AFP