BY TIM PARSONS
Tyson Fury has continued his old war of words with Lennox Lewis, by describing him as a jealous old man. Fury, who has previously expressed an interest in engaging in a fight with an MMA wrestler, told
the MMA Hour: “Lennox Lewis is a hater of Tyson Fury. He’s a jealous old man. He’s a jealous old man because I’m at the top of the world and he’s a has-been.
“He has been a world champion. Great for him. Whenever Lennox Lewis wants to come out of retirement, I’m here waiting for him. I’m the best fighter ever to come out of these shores.”I don’t care how old he is. If he’s that good, let him come back and beat George Foreman’s record.”
Fury, who recently pulled off what was before hand deemed an unlikely upset, has also suggested Lewis taking on his father, John-a former boxer himself- if the former undisputed world champion considers Fury too young to face as an opponent.
The reality is that Fury seriously needs to mature. At 27, he is no baby. Challenging a man who was tested against the best of his generation and came out as Britain’s best success is childish and uncalled for. There is absolutely no need for it. Lewis once responded to the outbursts made by Fury by posting an interview the newly crowned champion gave years ago praising Lewis for his achievement and hailing him as a hero who achieved everything he set out to do. For him to come out now and start running him down only serves to highlight a contradiction borne only by hard feelings.
Lennox Lewis retired in 2003, after beating Vitali Klitschko in a mouthwatering clash after six rounds of packed action. Vitali has always been considered the tougher of the two Klitschko brothers and was very much in his prime at the time of his emphatic defeat which he was actually winning on points. Common respect is something Fury needs to learn, and he needs to learn it fast. Already, the petition for him to be thrown out of the BBC sports personality of the year 2015 has already grown to a high 90,000. Continuous offensive words only worsens his image and if he carries on, he may indeed become one of the most hated world champions ever.
His claim to be the best ever world champion to come out of these shores is more than debatable, as the outspoken gypsy man is yet to face a live opponent in his prime. His defeat of Klitschko was sound and earned him the victory fair and square. However, he still must face relatively hot and young opponents like David Haye and Deontey Wilder before he can even try to match the accomplishments of Lennox Lewis.
