Comments Thread For: Lennox Lewis: Joshua Does Not Want Wilder or Fury Right Now

[Hands of Stone]

Thats a point that gets forgotten these days, especially as the fan base changes, and the inevitable pigeons become eagles! With Lewis, like Holmes, its actually the opposite effect: For a good deal of his career Lewis was disrespected. He was also diminished... While fighting all comers in the process.

The clue to what you are saying can be gleaned from Lewis' reaction to the Vitali fight. One would expect Lewis to say something along the lines of "He (Vitali) fought a great fight, I just showed the heart of a champ....yada yada." Lewis also had the excuse, if he wanted to use it...that he had not trained for the fight. After all Kirk Johnson was not even near a threat to Lewis, so why would Lewis train up to fight Johnson?

I mention this reasoning on the part of Lewis because, He used that same excuse when he fought poorly against Ray Mercer... Came right out and said "I trained for the wrong fight." And when he made this statement? He was not flustered, not upset in the slightest. It was said matter of fact.

Now... With Vitali not only did Lewis not say this, he was seething mad. He resented that people would question his win over Vitali, especially the sports people asking him questions. You could practically read his mind: "All these years I win, with a few hiccups that I took care of, I am consistent, I take on all commers....I get one slight break, that I am not even responsible for (decision wise) and they question my win!!?"

I think he felt really betrayed and expected people would give him that break so to speak. This showed that Lewis was very sensative about this issue of fans standing behind him. SO when he sees a young handsome, well spoken, talented guy like AJ? I think he does have some resentment that he was not given the same red carpet treatment.

When Sony Liston won the championship from Patterson, he came back by plane and was expecting a parade, a crowd to greet him, and nobody was there... It broke his heart.

All you said might be true but still doesn't change the fact the AJ doesn't want the fight with Wilder now. So if Lewis is jealous like you said, I 'll agree to that but his opinion about AJ only interested in fighting in England and not wanting to fight Wilder now, are all facts as there are videos out there that states just that. Personally Lewis have nothing to be jealous about, he is legendary and hardly seen as a ducker. AJ might be great or he could very well be a flash in the pan but I 'll tell you turning down 50mil for a fight u wanted makes absolutely no sense and the fact u found your voice now when Fury/Wilder is all but sanctioned and signed looks like a weak move.

[Nomar]

Lennox bullshyting AJ to endear him to fight Wilder or Fury. What he's saying is true, though.

[Ake-Dawg]

All I keep hearing is conspiracy theories from Wilder fans. Can a honest Wilder fan tell me what has Wilder said within the last 3 days in regards to facing AJ? Is he Keen? If not why not? Please don’t mention Fury fury coch has said Wilder should fight AJ . If Wilder ends up fighting Breazeale would any of you see that’s a duck? Probably not

Wilder has said that he is fighting Fury and Fury only. I believe it. Well, I believe their teams approach is that they will plan to fight Fury until they see a complete contract with proper terms for the Wembley fight. What proper means to them, likely 40% with a $15-20M guarantee. Basically a guarantee of the money they project to make vs Fury.

[Noelanthony]

Wilder has said that he is fighting Fury and Fury only. I believe it. Well, I believe their teams approach is that they will plan to fight Fury until they see a complete contract with proper terms for the Wembley fight. What proper means to them, likely 40% with a $15-20M guarantee. Basically a guarantee of the money they project to make vs Fury.

That is fair but even that would not be enough to sway Wilder. Not because he is necessarily scared I just feel in his mind if he gets it right he stands more chance beating Fury and less chance getting knocked out. Also he doesn’t like Team Joshua and doesn’t feel obliged to bail them out especially knowing he will not be ridiculed for opting to take Fury

[puroylan]

Well there you go! You heard it from a HOF and an English man. Aquajuice and (Gre)eddie Hearn knows that majority of fans doesn't want anything to do with them right now.. Wilder & Fury are the real deal!

[Digital Mouth]

If that's the case he should be stripped of all his belts and let Wilder and Fury fight for them all. Surely that's illegal to not fight the best but still hold onto the belts?

[methodcal]

Lewis is the only fighter from ya'll country that is the most recognized and accomplished.

Lol all these protectors in here saying Lewis is jealous.

They are REALLY talking **** about their VERY OWN legend. Jealousy or NOT he spoke the TRUTH and WHEN the TRUTH hurts the REAL side shows itself. Lennox fought everybody and our VERY OWN Bowe said nah. Fought in America AND wouldn't let himself be protected.... Cause Lennox know if AJ wanted Wilder like he wanted holyfield, Tyson, Bowe etc...... Egh Nvmd!! No shame!! You can deny the lies but you can't deny the TRUTH. Yup Lennox called AJ a ***** lol. Whoa but TRUTH.

[twosweethooks]

Merry Christmas Lewis family for telling the truth

[methodcal]

Let's be real here. You guys hate anyone that talks bad about AJ. Lewis is stating a real opinion here, an opinion that almost everybody in the sport agrees with even though most won't come out and say it like Lewis did.

Bruh and deep down his fans KNOW this!! That's what's disturbing. You trash your best heavyweight champion in YOUR history for a fighter who's done nothing. Alarming!!

[Ake-Dawg]

That is fair but even that would not be enough to sway Wilder. Not because he is necessarily scared I just feel in his mind if he gets it right he stands more chance beating Fury and less chance getting knocked out. Also he doesn’t like Team Joshua and doesn’t feel obliged to bail them out especially knowing he will not be ridiculed for opting to take Fury

Money still talks. I don't see the likelihood of getting knocked out as a factor in their decision. I do however feel that the risk of losing to Joshua in the UK is greater than the risk of losing to Fury in the rematch and, as such, the monetary difference or benefits must reflect that.