Lennox Lewis ‘admitted’ he ought to’ve had another loss on his file to former heavyweight champion: “You gained” | Boxing Information

A former world champion claims that Lennox Lewis as soon as admitted he ought to have retired with three defeats on his skilled file.

‘The Lion’ is taken into account one of many all-time biggest heavyweights, retiring in 2003 after having avenged his solely two losses in opposition to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman.

Lewis additionally loved a profitable rematch with Evander Holyfield, who had someway Boxing/article/0,,195547,00.html” goal=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>retained his world titles with a controversial draw of their first encounter.

Later that yr in 1999, although, Lewis managed to grow to be the undisputed heavyweight champion with a unanimous choice victory, sustaining his lineal standing till ending his profession with a sixth-round end over Vitali Klitschko.

It was again in 1996, nevertheless, that many felt the Brit ought to have suffered one other defeat, this time in opposition to Ray Mercer, who had briefly held the WBO title in 1991.

The American in the end vacated his belt and was defeated by Larry Holmes the next yr, earlier than dropping a 10-round unanimous choice to Holyfield in 1995.

‘Cruel’ then confronted Lewis in a battle between two Olympic gold medallists, this time struggling a extremely contentious 10-round majority choice defeat.

Talking with James Slater, Mercer insisted that even Lewis doubts he deserved to win their contest.

“Yeah, I gained that combat, man. He admitted it to me. He is aware of, a fighter is aware of. I gained that combat. He mentioned to me, ‘I do know you gained’. I informed him, ‘The place’s my half of your cheque!’

“He mentioned okay. Each time I see him, I inform him I’m nonetheless ready! They had been setting him as much as combat [Mike] Tyson. In order that’s what occurred, that’s why they gave him the victory.”

Because it occurred, Lewis didn’t find yourself going through Mike Tyson till 2002, when he secured an eighth-round stoppage victory.

As a substitute, it was his rematch with McCall, who he stopped for the WBC title, that adopted the Mercer controversy.