Lennox Lewis questions Anthony Joshua future ahead of Tyson Fury bout
Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has questioned whether Anthony Joshua should continue fighting after surviving two knockdowns against Kristian Prenga last month.
The British superstar returned to action recently in his first bout since walking away from a devastating car crash that killed two of his best friends last Christmas.
Despite being dropped twice in a disastrous opening round, the resilient heavyweight recovered to stop his Albanian opponent in the second.
That dramatic comeback victory successfully set up a long-awaited domestic showdown against bitter rival Tyson Fury.
Lewis questions ring readiness
However, boxing legend Lewis harbours serious concerns about the current capabilities of the two-time world champion.
“Does he really belong in the ring right now?”
The 59-year-old told The Ring magazine that such a shaky performance against a heavy underdog raises significant red flags.
“A virtual novice put him on the ground twice in the first round.”
“Is that it, have we seen the last of him? It’s not like he’s his old self.”
Fury holds the upper hand
On the night before Joshua’s chaotic win, his upcoming opponent stopped Mariusz Wach in a far more routine warm-up fight.
Contracts for an all-British super-fight were signed earlier this year, although fans are still waiting for a confirmed date and venue.
Lewis believes the self-styled Gypsy King is now firmly in pole position to win a blockbuster contest that has been a decade in the making.
“I think Fury boxes to the level of his opposition.”
“He’s trying to keep sharp for Joshua, the right thing to do, and needed to have a tick-over fight.”
Financial motives drive belated clash
While the bout promises massive commercial success, the former undisputed heavyweight king feels the sporting prime of both men has passed.
He suggested that financial gains are now the primary catalyst for finalizing the legacy-defining matchup.
“Fury is closer but both are shadows of their former selves.”
Despite acknowledging their respective declines, Lewis fundamentally backs the undefeated lineal champion to emerge victorious.
“He boxed a YouTuber, now boxed a guy who knocked him down twice and next faces Fury? That’s a big step up.”