Anthony Joshua & Lennox Lewis’ War of Words

Anthony Joshua’s choice words for Lennox Lewis, calls him "a clown"

Anthony Joshua, Lennox Lewis (right)
Anthony Joshua, Lennox Lewis (right)

Anthony Joshua’s choice words for Lennox Lewis, calls him “a clown”


If there was any doubt of animosity between Anthony Joshua and Lennox Lewis, it may now rest. Joshua let it be known, from his point of view, he is no fan of one Lennox Lewis. During a Sky Sports special called “AJ: The Unknown Truth”, Joshua didn’t mince words calling the former heavyweight legend Lewis “a clown” and says he has no respect for him.

What’s the source of Joshua’s inflammatory comments? It all stems from Lewis’ take on AJ’s upset loss to Andy Ruiz. Puzzled by Joshua’s performance, the former heavyweight king took to social media to express his displeasure tweeting “I can’t look at that fight and agree that AJ was fully prepared”. He went on to criticize Joshua’s trainer Robert McCracken as well.

Lennox Lewis on Twitter

During the Sky Sports special, which will premiere on Sky Sports On-Demand today in the UK and on Sky Sports Main Event on August 17th, AJ let loose with how he really feels about Lewis.

“Me and Lennox are not the same. My legacy is to sit back and enjoy the younger generation coming up, and not to be involved. Just to appreciate what it takes to get there. Lennox isn’t like that. Me and Lennox are cut from a different cloth.”

Furthermore, Joshua took a not so subtle shot at the legacy of Lennox Lewis. When asked about whether the retired fighter left an impressive legacy on the sport, Joshua fired back “So? So am I.” To say Anthony Joshua has an axe to grind with Lennox Lewis is an understatement.

FOCUSED ON THE TASK AT HAND

Moving forward, Joshua’s his sole focus is the rematch with Andy Ruiz, which will take place December 7 in Saudi Arabia. Asked about an eventual showdown with Wilder, he said that’s not his focus at this time. In fact, he suggested the pursuit to fight Wilder and become undisputed Heavyweight was a distraction during the lead up to the fight against Ruiz.

“I became heavyweight champion, I unified the division twice, and now my goal is to become two-time heavyweight champion of the world. Once I achieve that, I can look at becoming undisputed champion. That undisputed stuff? It was right in front of me but it was one of the biggest curses lingering over my head when I was champion.”

In reaction to Joshua’s brutally honest criticism, Lewis went again to social media to give his response.

“Wow! He’s right! We ARE cut from a different cloth. Undisputed wasn’t something I “worried” about. It was something I went after until it was accomplished!”

Lewis went on to say he’s disappointed by Joshua’s comments and believes “this jealousy narrative” is made up and a product of his reaction to Joshua’s June 1 loss.

Lennox Lewis on Twitter

The “AJ: The Untold Truth” is Anthony Joshua holding nothing back. With the rematch against Ruiz looming, it will be interesting how the boxing public will react to AJ being so unreserved, so raw and so opinionated. This special will leave folks talking for sure.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

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About Mike W.2119 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.