Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis has revealed the smartest fighter he faced during his outstanding professional career.
The British-Canadian great is often credited with being one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, claiming a version of the world heavyweight championship on several occasions along the way.
Perhaps the most memorable victory of his career came in November 1999 when he defeated Evander Holyfield in their historic rematch to capture the undisputed heavyweight championship at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Lewis also avenged the two defeats that he suffered during his career with rematch wins over Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, meaning he defeated every single opponent he faced throughout his tenure.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Lewis didn’t hesitate to name Vitali Klitschko as the smartest fighter he faced, although he claims he beat the Ukrainian great ‘at his worst’.
“Vitali used his awkwardness to good effect. Everyone said that I should have fought him again but he was just icing on my retirement cake. I took him on at short notice and despite being mentally ready, my physical preparation wasn’t ideal. I beat him at my worst so there was no need for a rematch. He definitely experienced the uppercuts.”
Lewis faced Klitschko in the 44th and final bout of his career in June 2003, stopping the three-time heavyweight champion in the 6th round of their showdown at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
‘The Lion’ made his retirement from the sport official in February 2004, making him one of the few fighters in boxing history to retire as a reigning world champion.
