Lennox Lewis, one of the best heavyweight boxers ever, says Jack Johnson and Muhammad Ali are the greatest heavyweights of all time. Lewis shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Fox Sports.
Lewis knows a thing or two about being great in the ring. He was the last undisputed heavyweight champion before Oleksandr Usyk, who just won the title in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury. Lewis got his undisputed status back in 1999 when he defeated Evander Holyfield.
Throughout his career, Lewis beat some big names like Frank Bruno and Mike Tyson. He also came back strong after losses to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall, beating both guys in rematches. Lewis ended his career on a high note, retiring after a win over Vitali Klitschko in 2003. He never left a loss unavenged.
When asked about the best heavyweights ever, Lewis didn't hesitate. In an interview with Fox Sports, he said:
"Jack Johnson, Muhammad Ali, basically. They both had great strengths..."
Lewis looked up to Ali as a kid. He didn't see as much of Johnson's fights, but he thinks Johnson might have influenced his style if he had.
"I've seen a lot of old footage and my hero was more Muhammad Ali cause I've seen more of him but if I'd have seen Jack Johnson as well as that probably would have changed my boxing too. I'd have probably caught something from him, maybe the showboating."
Jack Johnson was a big deal in his time. He fought in the "Fight of the Century" back in 1910 against James L Jefferies. Johnson stood out during the Jim Crow era, making waves both in and out of the ring. He had 94 fights total and won 68 of them. Sadly, Johnson died in a car crash in 1946 when he was 68.
Lewis's picks for the greatest heavyweights show how much he respects boxing history. He's often compared to Ali in terms of greatness, but he's quick to give credit to those who came before him.
