Lennox Lewis was only bested twice in his incredible career and reveals the shock he had following his first knockout loss.
Former heavyweight champion Lewis is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, even claiming the number one spot in the eyes of George Foreman.
Beating the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko, the resume that Lewis has speaks for itself.
Leaving the sport of boxing in 2003, Lewis is one of the few heavyweights to retire as champion. However, on his way to claiming world glory, he had to taste defeat on two occasions.
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Lennox Lewis recalls knockout loss to Oliver McCall
In an interview with Ring Magazine, Lewis looked back on his first loss, where he was bested and finished by Oliver McCall.
During an exchange between the fighters, McCall’s right hand would find the chin of Lewis, sending him to the canvas. Although the then 21-0 fighter got back to his feet, he was judged to be not able to continue by the referee.
Lewis was asked by the interviewer how he felt after his first professional loss, which happened in 1994. “I was in shock,” the former heavyweight replied.
“Wow! How did it happen? I wanted to see how it happened.”
Despite the loss, Lewis still felt like he was a better fighter than McCall. “Overall, this guy is not more talented than me.”
Acknowledging the mistake he made in the fight, Lewis said he would never make the error again and would “get back on the horse.”
‘The Lion’ also added that the loss motivated him to train harder and become better.
Lennox Lewis avenged his only two career losses
Retiring with a professional record of 41-2-1, only two men have ever gotten the better of Lewis.
His first professional loss came to McCall. However, Lewis was able to right his wrong in their second meeting.
Competing for the vacant WBC World Heavyweight title, Lewis was able to deliver a knockout of his own to McCall, avenging his loss.
However, this would not be the only time Lewis got revenge in his career.
Hasim Rahman would dethrone Lewis in 2001 when he delivered a huge right hand to put the champion out of the fight, causing a huge upset.
Eager to make amends, Lewis would take an immediate rematch with Rahman in the same year. Just like he did against McCall, Lewis wronged his right with a fourth-round knockout.
This means that Lewis retired making up for his only two losses in the sport. He was given a chance to return to boxing in 2024 when Holyfield called out Lewis, however, the British-Canadian rejected the fight.