The lightweight was one of five boxing weight classes contested on the 1908 Summer Olympics programme.

[3] Did not start: G. Blake of Australasia; R. Eustache and E. Manzone of France Wells and Holberg split the judges over the course of the first three rounds.

The referee declared a fourth round, which Wells won in a contest which involved more grappling than punching.

Grace took a bye in the semifinals and Spiller's easy win made the round an uneventful one.

Each boxer went to the mat in the second, but Grace piled on more hits than did Spiller to win the bout.