The name Lennox Lewis has entered the history of boxing.
Three-time heavyweight champion, the last man to claim undisputed in the division, and a record that features the likes of Ray Mercer, Hasim Rahman, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Without a doubt, ‘Lion’ is one of the greats.
Talking to seconds outhe revealed what he believes Tyson Fury – the reigning WBC heavyweight champion – must do to go down in history in a similar way.
“I believe it is clear that he must be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. If he chooses, he can clear the division and beat the other heavyweights out there. But I think the first thing is to reach the undisputed heavyweight [championship] of the world.”
Lewis later used his own campaign to make a point about Fury’s. He faced Mike Tyson in 2002 in the penultimate match of his career. It was one of the fans who requested.
“Yeah. That’s what I did. I basically boxed [Mike] Tyson, my enemy at the time, and this was the fight the world wanted to see the result of. I can’t retire without that fight under my belt. As for Tyson Fury, he couldn’t retire without boxing Usyk. And, if he wants to clean the department, there are other people in his era that he needs to clean.
In addition to the undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk, which is supposed to take place next March, many fans feel like ‘The Gypsy King’s professional career will feel unfinished if he doesn’t beat Anthony Joshua.
Also, there are people like Andy Ruiz Jr and Joe Joyce – a former champion and one who is now knocking on the door pretty hard.
In a recent turn around from a brief retirement, Fury said he wants a busy year next year. Fans and Lewis will be hoping that he faces the best to cement his legacy – although he says he doesn’t care.
