Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes snubbed as former world heavyweight champion names toughest fight

Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes are two of the most recognisable names in the history of heavyweight boxing.

The two former champions can be considered two of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time, as Lewis has defeated Mike Tyson, and Holmes got the better of Muhammad Ali.

Despite the two men being impressive champions, the competitors fought in eras filled with top heavyweights. This means that a fight with either ‘The Lion’ or ‘The Easton Assassin’ was not always the hardest challenge.

This is the case for one former world champion, who did not name either man as his toughest test.

• READ MORE: Lennox Lewis became undisputed champion in rematch victory over heavyweight legend

Ray Mercer names the toughest opponent he has ever faced in his career

Former world heavyweight champion Ray Mercer was able to claim the WBO title in 1991, as well as defend it against Tommy Morrison with a brutal stoppage.

Retiring with a professional record of 36-7-1, Mercer has shared the ring with the likes of Lewis, Holmes, Wladimir Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and Shannon Briggs.

However, despite the list of former champions on the resume of Mercer, it was another name who got credited as his toughest-ever opponent.

Speaking to the Ring Magazine, Mercer was asked who the toughest challenge in his career was.

Without hesitation, Mercer said, “Bert Cooper.”

“Bert Cooper was my toughest opponent. I know people say I fought people like Tommy Morrison and Lennox Lewis, but my toughest fight, if you want to know, is Bert Cooper.”

Mercer said that the reason he would name Cooper as his toughest challenge was due to the fact the pair were former sparring partners. “He knew me and I knew him. That made for a good fight.”

The former champion then added that Cooper was not the hardest hitter he had faced, but Lewis was.

• READ MORE: Larry Holmes was taken to a split decision by huge underdog in the prime of his career

Ray Mercer defeated Bert Cooper in 1990

Although Mercer and Cooper were former sparring partners, the pair only met one another professionally on one occasion.

Fighting in August 1990, Mercer and Cooper squared off in Atlantic City, sharing the card with a young Bernard Hopkins.

Despite Mercer saying Cooper was the toughest test of his career, he had a convincing unanimous decision win over his former training partner.

‘Merciless’ was able to extend his record to 16-0, as Cooper fell to 22-6.