Shannon Briggs has given Lennox Lewis some serious praise. The former heavyweight, who fought Lewis in 1998, says the British boxer could beat any heavyweight in history, even Muhammad Ali.
Briggs shared his thoughts in a chat with One on One Boxing. He lost to Lewis in the fifth round of their WBC World Heavyweight Title fight. But that experience left a big impression on him.
"I'm honoured to have fought one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, if not the greatest heavyweight of all time. On any given night, he could beat any other heavyweight champion of the world of any era. His size, his poise, he wasn't the most flamboyant fighter, stylistic fighter, like an Ali or even a Holmes with the jab, but he got the job done and he had a great jab, a great right hand, tremendous uppercut, a sick left hook when he landed it, he didn't always land it but when he did it was so effective. So to have fought a legend like that means a lot to me sharing a ring with a great, it's something to be proud of."
Briggs pointed out Lewis's size, poise, and effective punches as key strengths. He feels proud to have shared the ring with someone he considers a legend.
Lewis went on to become the undisputed champion just three fights after beating Briggs. He fought 44 times in total, losing only twice. Both losses came by stoppage, but Lewis showed his determination by winning the rematches.
"I respect him to the upmost and I say again on any given night he could have beaten any other heavyweight in history. He had something, you can't beat Lennox twice, he found a way."
Briggs's claim that Lewis could beat Ali might surprise some. Ali is often seen as one of the most enigmatic heavyweights ever, known for his impact both in and out of the ring.
But Briggs stands firm in his belief. He sees Lewis as potentially the greatest heavyweight of all time, able to beat any champion from any era on his best night.
Lewis's legacy in boxing is secure. Many already rank him among the best heavyweights to ever lace up the gloves. Briggs's words only add to that reputation, coming from someone who felt Lewis's power firsthand.
