Lennox Lewis has added further to his thoughts on Anthony Joshua being protected by fighting solely in the United Kingdom.
Lewis believes Deontay Wilder should fight Tyson Fury next and says Joshua has much to prove regarding his desire to fight either.
Whilst on PBC commentary duties for the Charlo Brothers, the former undisputed king, said the following to CompuBox: “I think they should have a rematch [Wilder and Fury], Joshua can wait.
“He doesn’t want any of those guys. When he saw that fight, he’s like, ‘Wow, these guys can box,’ and now they are going to do it again.”
On Joshua possibly fighting in New York this April, Lewis added: “I don’t think he’ll [Joshua] come over here [United States] right now.
“I think he’s too happy in England being protected and boxing in front of the British crowd.”
Pulled by fans on social media regarding his comments, Lewis was happy to engage in explaining his reasoning.
“Boxing isn’t about ‘doing the most work.’ It’s about proving who the best is. The reward fighters get by doing ‘the most work’ is their experience and can draw upon when needed.
“You can’t tell me boxing is all about the business and then not explain to me how the biggest fight in the division isn’t the best business to do!
“(There’s) More money in it than BOTH fighters have ever made because it’s what us fans want to see and will pay for!
“This is the biggest boat in the division. It will be BOTH of their highest paydays ever. You don’t offer a check for this fight. You offer a split. I say 60/40 in AJ’s favor, maybe even 70/30.
“But (it’s) not a flat fee (fight). I took less to face Holyfield because I wanted to be undisputed!”
LENNOX LEWIS FAIR
Lewis concluded: “Let’s not be ridiculous. I’m talking about fairness. When AJ fought Parker, Parker took a 35/65 split.
“So for the biggest fight in the division and HISTORY, why would there be no split offer?”
Joshua is expected to fight Dillian Whyte in April before Jarrell Miller and Kubrat Pulev in his two subsequent fights.
Wilder could be tied up with Fury until at least 2020 as the pair plan a trilogy of clashes to leave Joshua out of the loop.
