Boxing legend George Foreman believes British boxer Lennox Lewis is the best heavyweight of all time after he obliterated Mike Tyson in Memphis.
Foreman was beaten by Muhammad Ali in their classic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ bout in 1974.
Yet the former champion is convinced that Lewis’s performance in the ‘Rumble on the River’ in Memphis on Saturday is greater than anything Ali ever achieved.
”Lennox is beyond doubt the greatest heavyweight of all time,” Foreman told the British press Monday.
”He is not second any more, he is there at the top of the tree,” Foreman purred after witnessing Lewis demolish Tyson inside eight rounds.
”It reminded me of a young George Foreman and an elusive Muhammad Ali – everything you want in a fighter.”
Foreman’s assessment was supported by his former adversary, ‘Smoking’ Joe Frazier, who said, ”Lennox is right up there with George Foreman and Muhammad Ali and he has proved himself the best heavyweight out there.”
And Lewis’s trainer Manny Steward agreed with the former heavyweight champions that the British boxer’s performance in Memphis had assured him greatness.
”I have known for a long time now that Lennox is the best heavyweight since Ali and the world should now acknowledge that,” he said.
Lewis was pleased with his performance and dedicated the victory to Queen Elizabeth II.
”I did it for the Queen,” he told The Sun, Britain’s biggest selling newspaper.
The 36-year-old champion said, ”I showed beyond a shadow of a doubt I am king of the ring. I dedicate this to Her Majesty the Queen for her Jubilee.”
– Sapa-AFP