Lennox Lewis fires back at claims he ducked rematch with Vitali Klitschko

A debate has sparked on social media that Lewis avoided having to fight Klitschko by retiring in 2004

Lennox Lewis has hit out at critics who have claimed that he avoided a rematch with Vitali Klitschko.

Lewis was accused by a fan on social media of ducking a second fight with the Ukrainian great and opting to retire instead. But in a lengthy response on Wednesday evening (23 July), Lewis explained why he chose to walk away from the sport.

Lewis said: “Let me clear this up for you. Vitali was always supposed to be my last fight, but it got moved up. I took it on 10 days’ notice. No champ has ever taken on a #1 contender on such short notice.”

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After seriously considering a rematch, Lewis decided his aspirations of starting a family and living a life not dictated by boxing were too tempting to resist, he said.

Lewis added: “I looked forward to the moment of starting a family and no more camps. I seriously considered a rematch but, in the end, decided to go with the original plan.”

Their initial encounter in 2003 was halted by the referee at the end of round six after Lewis opened up a deep cut over the eye of the Ukrainian. The consensus was that Klitschko was leading at the time.

Lennox Lewis (left) retired after beating Vitali Klitschko in 2003 (PA)

Lewis retired as lineal and WBC champion in 2004 after much speculation surrounding Klitschko and a rematch. This left the title vacant for the Ukrainian to claim and begin his dominant reign as champion.

He received criticism, but Lewis retired on his terms and at the very top of the sport, which very few fighters get to do.

The former undisputed champion gave Klitschko credit for being a stellar champion and admitted that he was aware of his age disadvantage in a rematch, as he turned 38 in 2004.

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He concluded: “Vitali went on to be a great champion in his own right. I was also aware that Father Time was not in my corner.”

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