I fought Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Shannon Briggs but my strongest opponent was ‘The Rock’

   

Lennox Lewis had some epic nights in his heavyweight career against the likes of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, but one rival's strength stood out.

Lewis is one of the greatest heavyweights to have ever laced up the gloves, reigning as an undisputed king of the division in 1999, the last since Oleksandr Usyk captured the crown last year.

MEMPHIS, TN - JUNE 8:  Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson fight for the WBC, IBO, IBF, Ring and Lineal heavyweight titles on June 8, 2002 at The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. Lewis won the fight with an 8th round KO. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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Lewis stepped in with the heavyweight's best including TysonCredit: GETTY

During his time at the pinnacle of the sport, his success was unprecedented and he scored some huge wins over American greats including Tyson, Holyfield and Shannon Briggs.

His incredible power and well-rounded skill set made him a formidable challenge to be beaten, but he was on two separate occasions.

When looking back on his career Lewis named one of his two conquerors, Hasim Rahman, as his strongest foe despite his strong resume.

He told The Ring, when asked who was his strongest opponent in their 'Best I Faced' series: "Rahman was very strong in the first fight and then he landed a lucky punch.

"People say that there’s no such thing as a lucky punch but it’s a punch thrown ‘one time.’

"In the rematch he couldn’t get near me so I don’t know how strong he was that night."

Lewis was lacking compliments for Rahman, who became the second person to beat him after Oliver McCall got the job done in 1994.

His rival nicknamed 'The Rock' turned up as an underdog but stunned the world when the pair met in South Africa in 2001.

The champion was ahead on the scorecards and was narrowly in control despite struggling with the physical aggression of Rahman going into the fifth round.

But incredibly he was floored by a right hand from the gods, which pierced through the guard.

Lewis was famously beaten by Rahman, who he named as his strongest opponent

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Lewis was famously beaten by Rahman, who he named as his strongest opponentCredit: Getty

It put Lewis on his back and he was unable to return to his feet, with the belts snatched by Rahman after the contest was waved off.

Rahman showed real physical strength to impose himself on Lewis and gave him what many consider to be the sternest examination of his career against the odds.

Lewis, fuelled by revenge, called for an immediate rematch and Rahman this time fared far worse.

Rahman was unable this time to match his previous physical strength seven months later, succumbing to defeat of his own.

Lewis floored the dangerous champion to reclaim his belts and ensure that he had avenged both of his career defeats.

After losing to Rahman, the Briton didn't lose another fight again.

Lewis made light work of his toughest opponent in the rematch

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Lewis made light work of his toughest opponent in the rematchCredit: Getty

He beat Tyson in a huge fight in 2002, knocking out the great who was struggling physically and succumbing to a sad decline.

His farewell tour concluded by signing off with a win over a great of the next generation in Vitali Klitschko.

Lewis chose at that point to put the gloves down, cementing a period of true greatness which ended in 2003.

Lewis has flirted with an unlikely comeback in recent years, largely down to Tyson's lucrative bout with Jake Paul.

Tyson earned $20million but also received a stain on his professional record by losing, which saw Lewis turn his back on the plans.