Lewis Responds Why He Declined a Rematch Against Klitschko

When asked on Twitter about a rematch against Vitali Klitschko, former champion Lennox Lewis provided his explanation.

"How about the fact that you took Klitschko lightly and then conveniently retired instead of facing him again?"

"Maybe so. I agreed to fight Klitschko on 10 days' notice to delay the end of my career. He was always meant to be my last fight. I considered the possibility of fighting him again, but I stuck to the plan."

Lennox Lewis's last fight took place on June 21, 2003, against Vitali Klitschko. The Briton won by technical knockout after the referee, having consulted with a doctor, decided to stop the fight due to a cut on Vitali. Soon after, Lewis announced his retirement from professional boxing with a record of 41-2-1, 32 KOs.

Lennox Lewis remains the last undisputed heavyweight champion. In 1999, he fought two matches against Evander Holyfield. The first fight ended in a draw, but in the rematch, Lewis won by a unanimous decision, claiming the WBC, WBA, IBO, and IBF belts.