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

While Tyson was undoubtedly one of Lewis’s most high-profile adversaries, their long-anticipated match at the 2002 Heavyweight Championship was far from a secret to boxing fans. However, Lewis has named another boxer as the most challenging and skilled he ever fought—evoking a sense of admiration and respect for a different figure in the sport.

Though many might have assumed Tyson would take the top spot, Lewis has consistently praised fighters like Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko for their technical prowess, resilience, and the challenges they presented. Holyfield, in particular, stood out to Lewis as a defining and difficult opponent in his career.

According to Lewis, Holyfield’s combination of heart, strategy, and determination made him one of the most formidable figures he ever stepped into the ring with. Their two encounters, one of which was a split decision victory for Lewis, demonstrated Holyfield’s elite-level skills and ability to weather punches from a powerful fighter like Lewis.

In terms of pure athleticism and fight strategy, Lewis has pointed to Vitali Klitschko as a standout. Klitschko, known for his exceptional physical condition and impressive boxing IQ, was another fighter who pushed Lewis to his absolute limits. Their 2003 bout, which ended in a stoppage victory for Lewis due to Klitschko’s severe cuts, remains one of the most highly regarded heavyweight fights in recent history.

“Tyson was a great fighter, but the challenges I faced with Holyfield and Klitschko are what really pushed me,” Lewis said. “Those were the toughest, most skilled guys I’ve faced in my career. Tyson brought excitement, but these other fighters brought true difficulty and required me to dig deep into my skill set to overcome them.”

While Tyson’s aggressive style and unpredictable nature made him a dangerous opponent, Lewis’s comments highlight the nuanced skill sets and determination of fighters like Holyfield and Klitschko, who presented different challenges that tested the former champion’s abilities in ways Tyson couldn’t.

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