In a recent interview, boxing legend Lennox Lewis shared his thoughts on the greatest opponent he has ever faced in his illustrious career. Surprisingly, Mike Tyson, the man Lewis most closely associated with in the ring, wasn’t that opponent.

Although Tyson was undoubtedly one of Lewis’s most prominent opponents, their long-awaited 2002 heavyweight title fight was no secret to boxing fans. However, Lewis singled out another fighter as the most challenging and skilled he had ever faced – a feeling of admiration and respect for a different figure in the sport.

Although many might have assumed Tyson would take the top spot, Lewis consistently praised fighters like Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko for their technical prowess, resilience and the challenges they presented. Holyfield, in particular, was a tough and decisive opponent in his career.

According to Lewis, Holyfield’s combination of heart, strategy and determination made him one of the toughest guys he’s ever stepped into the ring with. Their two fights, one of which was a split decision win for Lewis, showcased Holyfield’s outstanding skills and ability to take punches from a fighter as strong as Lewis.

In terms of sheer physicality and fighting strategy, Lewis singled out Vitali Klitschko as the standout. Known for his exceptional physicality and incredible boxing intelligence, Klitschko was another fighter who pushed Lewis to his limits. Their 2003 bout, which ended in a knockout victory for Lewis due to severe injuries sustained by Klitschko, remains one of the most respected heavyweight fights in recent history.

“Tyson was a great fighter, but it was the challenges I faced with Holyfield and Klitschko that really pushed me forward,” Lewis said. “Those were the toughest, most skilled fighters I’ve ever faced in my career. Tyson brought excitement, but those other fighters brought real difficulty and required me to work hard to beat them.”

While Tyson’s aggressive style and unpredictable nature made him a dangerous opponent, Lewis’ comments highlight the subtle skills and determination of fighters like Holyfield and Klitschko, who presented different challenges that tested the former champion in ways that Tyson could not.

As fans continue to debate the greatest heavyweight champion of all time, Lennox Lewis’ insights provide an interesting perspective, showing the complexity and variety of challenges that defined a legendary career.