Lennox Lewis, one of the greatest heavyweights ever, surprised boxing fans by naming Shannon Briggs as the hardest puncher he faced in his career. The former undisputed champion shared this revelation in a recent interview with Ring Magazine.
Lewis, who became undisputed champion during his illustrious career, faced many notable opponents. His list includes Mike Tyson, Vitali Klitschko, Frank Bruno, David Tua, and Evander Holyfield. He even avenged his only two losses, knocking out both Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman in rematches.
Despite this impressive roster, Lewis pointed to his 1998 bout with Shannon Briggs at the Boardwalk Convention Center in Atlantic City as the source of the hardest punches he'd felt. Lewis won that fight by fifth-round knockout, dropping Briggs three times throughout the bout.
"He lacked endurance but Briggs certainly knew how to put his bodyweight behind a punch," Lewis said, as he told Ring Magazine. "Unfortunately for him you need the full package when you face me so power isn't enough."
Lewis explained why fans might expect a different answer. "Fans may expect me to say McCall or Hasim Rahman for punching power but I basically set myself up against both of them," he said.
What stood out about Briggs wasn't just his power, but his speed. Lewis added, "I was surprised by Briggs' handspeed. He was able to close the gap very quickly and that allowed him to get off the big punches. Sometimes you don't realize how quick someone is until you're in there."
Lewis retired in 2003 and has since become a successful boxing analyst. However, he's recently hinted at a possible return to the ring. He's suggested he might face Mike Tyson if Tyson can get past Jake Paul.
