Lennox Lewis rejects the idea of emulating Mike Tyson's celebrity fights
- Lennox Lewis believes that recent celebrity fights, including Mike Tyson's match with Jake Paul, do not tarnish the integrity of boxing.
- He describes the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk matchup as a genuine event for the heavyweight championship.
- Lewis concludes that both celebrity contests and traditional boxing exist in separate realms and do not detract from the sport's quality.
In December 2024, Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, expressed his views on the current trend of celebrity boxing matches. He specifically commented on Mike Tyson's recent bout with YouTuber Jake Paul, contrasting it with professional boxing matches. Lewis emphasized that Tyson's event was primarily entertained for fans, while next week's scheduled rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk represents a legitimate competition for the heavyweight championship. He was ringside during Tyson's fight and is expected to attend the upcoming Usyk vs. Fury match in Riyadh, where he believes the two best fighters in the world will compete for the title. This distinction highlights the divide between entertainment-focused events and genuine boxing contests, which Lewis argues should not be seen as diminishing the integrity of boxing as a sport. He articulated that there exists a critical difference in the nature of these events, suggesting that they cater to different audiences and do not affect the stature of real fighting in boxing. Additionally, Lewis commented on recent speculation surrounding a potential comeback for Wladimir Klitschko, who last fought in 2017. Although Lewis has been reported to be training once again, he clarified that he is merely preparing to stay in shape as he approaches his 60th birthday and ruled out any immediate return to the ring. Lewis’s stance reflects a sentiment shared by many boxing purists who seek to maintain the sport’s traditional values amidst the rise of celebrity fights. As the boxing narrative progresses, events like the Usyk vs. Fury rematch intend to remind fans and participants alike of the sport's more serious and competitive aspects, ensuring its legacy remains intact despite the current trend in entertainment-based matches. Lewis's insights reveal a longing to differentiate genuine competitive boxing from the more sensationalized events that pervade the current sports landscape, suggesting a commitment to preserving the sport's integrity in the face of shifting cultural trends.