Ex- heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, doesn’t seem to be a fan of celebrity boxing, or even if he is, ‘The Lion’ clearly doesn’t want the celebrities to be in a similar bracket with professional boxers. Being one of the greatest veterans in the sport, Lewis worked his way to reach the top.
That said, most professional boxers attained success in a similar manner. However, the recent trend of YouTube boxing has seemingly changed the structure of the sport. Celebrities and Internet personalities often enter the ring and walk away with glory and enormous paychecks.
Although they lack the essence of boxing, fight fans still tune in to catch them in action, and it often makes the pro boxers take a back seat. Lennox Lewis took to social media to voice his opinion on the same.
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Professional Boxers know the real sacrifice before the fame & the dollars. We fight when no one knows our name. The inspiration to be better, emulate the best, be the best will never die. Please stop calling #utubeboxers #celebrityboxers professional boxers Just enjoy the show🥊 pic.twitter.com/FIgGLU5uUm
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) April 20, 2021
The London native tweeted, “Professional Boxers know the real sacrifice before the fame & the dollars. We fight when no one knows our name. The inspiration to be better, emulate the best, be the best will never die. Please stop calling #utubers #celebrityboxers professional boxers Just enjoy the show.”
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His message could have been aimed towards Jake Paul, who has tagged himself as an elite. After securing his third consecutive KO against Ben Askren on April 17, ‘The Problem Child’ departed with a massive payday. Subsequently, he has been taking shots and professional fighters and vice versa.
Meanwhile, several veteran champions have also announced their in-ring returns. Lewis’ former rivals Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield fall under the list. So, it can possibly urge ‘The Lion’ to walk the same path.
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Will we see Lennox Lewis return?
The 54-year-old Mike Tyson staged his return against the then 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. Subsequently, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ revealed his desire to continue boxing. Also, the 58-year-old Evander Holyfield will also return against the 47-year-old Kevin McBride in June. So, Lewis will have a legitimate chance of returning at 55.
‘The Lion’ had his last pro fight in 2003 against Vitali Klitschko and rightfully retired as the WBC and IBO heavyweight champion after knocking out the Ukrainian legend. Although Lewis hasn’t announced or hinted at lacing up the gloves, anything can happen and fans will keep their fingers crossed for a Lewis return.
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