Lennox Lewis, the former heavyweight champion who retired 20 years ago, has named Evander Holyfield as the best fighter he ever faced in his boxing career. Lewis shared this insight during an interview with The Ring Magazine, reflecting on his time in the ring.
Lewis, known as "The Lion," had a stellar career that started with a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics. He turned pro in 1989 and went on to fight 44 times, winning 41 of those bouts. His achievements in the ring are impressive - he became the undisputed heavyweight champion and held that title until Oleksandr Usyk claimed it in 2023.
Throughout his career, Lewis faced some of the biggest names in boxing. He fought Hasim Rahman, Oliver McCall, Mike Tyson, Vitali Klitschko, Razor Ruddock, and Shannon Briggs. But it's Holyfield who stands out in Lewis's memory.
"[Evander] Holyfield was the best opponent I faced in my career," Lewis told The Ring Magazine.
Lewis and Holyfield fought twice. Their first bout ended in a controversial draw, with many fans believing Lewis had done enough to win. In 1999, they met again, and this time Lewis won by unanimous decision, becoming the unified champion.
It wasn't always smooth sailing for Lewis. Early in his career, he had some flaws in his game. That changed when he partnered with Emanuel Steward, the legendary trainer from Detroit. Ironically, Steward had been in Oliver McCall's corner for one of Lewis's upset losses before they teamed up.
Lewis's career had many highlights. In 2002, he knocked out Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated bout. He also had a bloody fight with Vitali Klitschko, where he retained his undisputed status.
Lewis's fights with Holyfield were pivotal moments in his career. Their battles helped cement Lewis's place in boxing history as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Now, two decades after hanging up his gloves, Lewis still remembers Holyfield as the toughest challenger he faced in the ring.
