Harrison salutes Lewis victory

Lewis and his entourage celebrate victory

Audley Harrison tells BBC Sport Online's Sanjeev Shetty why he was so impressed with Lennox Lewis' victory in Las Vegas.

Audley Harrison believes "history will treat Lennox Lewis kindly" after watching him knock out Hasim Rahman to regain his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles.

Harrison is a good friend of Lewis and came to the fight as a supporter along with his manager Colin McMillan.

And his admiration for the champion grew on Saturday after a perfect Lewis right hand knocked Rahman flat on his back.

It was sweet redemption for Lennox... and a great finish

Audley Harrison

Harrison told BBC Sport Online: "Tactically, Lennox got it right tonight.

"He took away Hasim's jab, he had the patience and was very light on his feet."

"It was sweet redemption for Lennox.

"He is a consummate professional and it was a great finish. History will treat Lennox kindly after this fight."

But Harrison had harsh words for the deposed champion, who was taken to hospital after the knockout as a precaution.

"I was concerned about Rahman's focus when I saw him at a fight card on Friday night.

"Even on the day of the fight, he was out and about in the hotel, signing autographs and meeting people. That's not the way to prepare as champion.

"You have to give Lennox more respect than that.

Harrison: Rahman didn't give Lewis enough respect

"All week, Rahman was bragging about how he had got under Lennox's skin, but this business is not just about intimidation or bad-mouthing.

"Lennox took it all and gave it back."

Harrison also had words of comfort for Howard Eastman, who failed in his bid to win the World Boxing Association middleweight title.

The Battersea-based fighter lost a debatable majority decision to American William Joppy.

"Out of bad comes good - Howard stepped up to the level of Joppy and proved he was worthy of staying in that class.

"I had Howard winning by three points and I thought the knockdown in the final round sealed it.

"But this is a good experience for Howard and I am sure he will get a rematch which can make him even bigger."