Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis says he can’t explain why Tyson Fury once again handed him harsh words in the press.
Despite the pair sharing time together in Germany recently when Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko to take four title belts, the 27-year-old has been quoted in several publications calling Lewis derogatory names.
Even when Lewis, 50, called up a radio show to defend Fury’s recent controversial comments, his politeness was rammed back down his throat as the new king of the top division labeled his compatriot ‘an old jealous man’ in reply.
Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield conqueror Lewis now feel the need to respond. He believes Fury should address him personally instead of offering him a fight and insulting him through media channels.
Tyson Fury calls out Lennox Lews
“I’m honestly at a loss. I just heard Tyson Fury calling me out again because I apparently ‘hate him and am jealous of him,’ said Lewis. “Neither is true and just when I thought we squashed anything between us, I heard his interview.
“Tyson Fury seems to have much to say – except when he’s in my face. I had dinner with him the night before his win over Klitschko, and it was all very cordial. The next day, he even apologized for the things he said.
“I thought we were good, so you can imagine my surprise at hearing about this interview today. I’m honestly not sure if he’s got two personalities or what. Nonetheless, he’s done nothing for me to be jealous of, nor do I hate him. I’m actually starting to think it’s the other way around.
“In my prime, I didn’t call out retired champions. In my era, we respected them. Ali is my idol. He would still be my idol if he picked Holyfield or Tyson to beat me.
“With the exception of (Riddick) Bowe, I’ve gotten along well and shown plenty of love and respect to all of my opponents and the champions before me. This is how it’s done.
“For a man that has battled and fought very hard to get the respect he deserves, it seems to me that he missed the most important lesson…that it’s a two-way street.”
Fury has been dominating the headlines recently after being nominated for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award and receiving nods for both the BWAA and WBN Fighter of the Year awards.
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