Lennox Lewis knows that an important part of the game is preparing yourself for retirement.
The last undisputed heavyweight champion won Gold at the Olympics before turning pro and registering a 44-fight campaign that put him in the conversation for one of the best ever.
Two losses – Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman – were avenged not long after they happened, and wins over Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer and Vitali Klitschko shine on a resume that came to a happy ending in 2003.
He has stayed close to the sport, even putting on shows of his own since hanging up the gloves.
That subject came up this week, when a fan reminded him that they saw former opponent Donovan Ruddock – who Lewis TKOd in 1992 – appear in 2015 in Canada as part of an event helmed by the former champion.
Ruddock was 51 when he fought on the card, two fights in to a comeback after 14 years away from the sport. He lost by third round knockout and wouldn’t fight again.
That was until now. He has been announced as one half of an exhibition bout against boxing legend and three-weight world champion, James Toney, set for Kingston, Jamaica on November 11.
Lewis seems to agree with those that believe it shouldn’t be happening. Responding to that fan who said they saw ‘Razor’ Ruddock, now 59, knocked out on the 2015 card, ‘The Lion’ says fighting ‘father time’ is dangerous.
“That’s why fighters must do everything to prepare for when it’s time to hang the gloves up. Boxing is a dangerous sport. Even more so when [you’re] also fighting Father Time in the ring.”
That’s why fighters must do. everything to prepare for when it’s time to hang the gloves up. Boxing is a dangerous sport. Even moreso when your also fighting Father Time in the ring. https://t.co/9TxUlOWvew
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) October 11, 2023