What next for Lewis?

Lennox Lewis' shock defeat by Hasim Rahman is a second knock-out blow to British boxing inside a fortnight.

After Naseem Hamed was out-boxed and defeated by Marco Antonio Barrera, Rahman landed a massive fifth round knock-out punch to Lewis.

Can British boxing recover from the double blow of Lewis' knockout and Naseem Hamed's recent defeat?

And where next for Lewis and Hamed? Can they regain former glories or is the time right to step aside and allow the new wave through?

Most experts assumed Lewis would have no trouble disposing of Rahman, a fighter rated as little more than a boxing journeyman.

What do you think went wrong for Lewis?

Was he under-prepared and complacent? Or was it an inspired display by Rahman - and a punch he could only have dreamed of?

Lewis had been hoping to face Mike Tyson, but that bout looks more distant than ever.

Do you think the Briton will ever reclaim the world title or should he now decide to hang up his gloves?

Lewis and Hamed are the biggest names in British boxing, overshadowing the rest of the fighters the UK has to offer. But both have now lost in the space of a fortnight.

Can British boxing recover with the help of Audley Harrison - or is this a worrying sign for the future of the sport?

Tell us what you think.

Too much has been made of one good punch. Yes Lewis was disappointing and should have prepared better, but talk of his demise is premature to say the least. In the immortal words of Arnie "I'll Be Back!!", maybe against the new heavyweight champion of the world, 'Iron' Mike Tyson!!
James, England

It's amazing Lewis loses and suddenly all the Americans come out of the woodwork to have a pop. Lewis has been just what Boxing needed: an honest champion who put aside the corruption in the sport to fight anyone put in front of him. Tyson-Lewis could have happened if Tyson wanted it to but he didnt, he ran scared. All of a sudden we've got a lucky one punch champion and Tyson is begging for a chance at him. Telling us how he'd love to get his belts back 15 years after he first got them. It's strange he didn't seem so desperate for them when Lewis had them. There is a rematch clause in the fight contract but Americans being Americans will ensure that he fights Tyson for his pay day first, Tyson wins and runs from Lewis just like Bowe did. It is sad for boxing that an American has got the belt because it just means more corruption and less good fights. Lewis should try to get his belts back as there is still no-one out there good enough to beat him consistantly.
Ben Sammons, UK

Like most boxing fans. I stayed up eagerly waiting for the rare chance of watching a heavy weight championship title that wasn't pay per view. Right from the start you could tell Lennox was over confident. Once the bell sounded I knew he was going to lose. He didn't take the threat of being challenged seriously. He boxed like an amateur. His guard was down, he started to brawl instead of box. All respect has to be given to Lennox's opponent. He concentrated on the job at hand and won.
Crisbian Floyde, United Kingdom

It's really sad to read so many negative comments here from British people about Lennox. He is a world class fighter who worked hard for his titles - he will win again and when he does I hope that all the Brits who have rubbished him today don't grab the glory.
Emma, UK

Lennox's defeat highlights the mediocrity of heavyweight boxing today. Lewis has lost two fights to average boxers, Tyson hasn't been at his best for several years, Holyfield is old, Savon remains in Cuba, and after that? No one I know who follows boxing and has watched Lewis fight before was completely surprised. Until he proves otherwise, Lewis is merely a good boxer in a weak heavyweight era.
Frank, Japan

I don't see the fight as one Lewis lost, rather one Hasim Rahman won impressively

  Peter Eguae, United Kingdom

I am glad that Lewis and Hamed were beaten. Hopefully it will make them realise that they have to prepare for a fight, and there is no such thing as a given result. Maybe a little less talk, and a bit more application would help them back to the top.
Miles Davies, UK

I personally, from two points knew he would knock out Lewis. Firstly the way he came out in the first round was very positive and confident. Secondly, there was a point when Lewis landed a few punches and rather than panicking Rahman held his arm up stiff holding Lewis back, backed into the corner letting Lewis feel he was in control and came out with a flurry of punches that got him out of the situation. Rahman is a lot more skilful and controlled than people seem to be giving him credit for. I for one don't see the fight as one Lewis lost, rather one Hasim Rahman won impressively.
Peter Eguae, United Kingdom

Naz is over hyped, and has been shown to be a fighter who couldn't handle true talent. Lewis was well in control of the fight with Rahman, and was caught by a very good punch. Steward should stick with the true talent. Get Naz away from Lewis. He has done nothing but harm. Lewis used to be a likeable guy. As soon as Hamed and Steward started working together and Hamed and Lewis started spending time together, Lewis started acting like Naz. Calling himself the greatest fighter, promising knockouts, and just being cocky in general. Rahman will fight Tyson for the payday. Tyson will beat Rahman who really isn't a great talent. Then it's a matter of Tyson agreeing to fight Lewis. Tyson will be older and ready to get out of the game, and he may see Lewis has his last big payday. I think this defeat keeps Tyson v Lewis a possibility, and if anything, makes it a much bigger fight.
Chris Daniel, USA

The impact on British boxing is likely to be minimal, since Lewis is Canadian again!
Daryl, Australia

Lennox Lewis is still without a doubt the best heavyweight around at the moment. Rahman was lucky but his luck will not spill over into his next fight. Lewis will use the clause in his contract to gain a rematch were he once more will be crowned champion, whether it is against Tyson, Rahman or anyone else.
Richard Proctor, Scotland

Muhammad Ali: "The greatest"

Lennox Lewis will never go down as a great heavyweight of his era, true greats always get up from one punch. Remember Frazier flooring Ali in 1971? That must have been the hardest punch ever delivered on a heavyweight and Ali got up straight away and continued fighting. Same with Foreman knocking out Frazier, he took around nine hard punches but kept standing up. Lennox Lewis has been knocked out twice, with two punches. To call him great is a joke!
Amjad Khan, England

I believe Lennox did a respectable job as a good boxer and as a sportsman. I congratulate the new heavyweight winner. All in all Lennox should now appreciate that he isn't going to be put under to much stress holding on to a title. Once again good sportsmanship and a good sport combined makes this a grand match.
Ali, UK

I think Lewis, probably the better of the two boxers, got punished for his somewhat arrogant behaviour. Boxers should start to move away from all the bravado, the silly and pompous ring-entries. Let's stop freaking and start boxing.
Benjamin Sanchez, Netherlands

Lennox will be champion again. If there is a rematch he will train as a challenger, hungry for the title. There are many fighters out there, but no one can box like Lennox. The only fighter Lennox should watch out for now is Audley Harrison.
Hicksy, UK

How can you even suggest that the prince has had his day and should step aside!? Just in case anyone's forgotten he's only lost one fight! ONE! Is this Man Utd fever? Just because they haven't won everything Keane thinks the team has had its day! And now Naz loses one fight and you talk of him stepping aside? I am more then confident that this will make him a better boxer. He will be back and God help the poor person that has to get in the ring with next!
Keith Eddowes, England

How many boxing gold medals did USA win at the Olympics? - exactly. Britain will start to dominate heavyweight boxing from Lewis onwards. Lewis will beat Rahman in a rematch - no doubt, and will outbox Tyson before flooring him. Lewis is the best heavyweight at the moment and one punch from Rahman isn't going to change that. This fight parallels, to some degree, the fight that Herol Graham lost to one punch, after totally dominating the fight. He will return - and be world champion again
Tony Wetton, UK

You have got to give Lennox some respect as a sportsman

  Chris Chandler, United Kingdom

I have heard that Lennox will now quit boxing and return to Canada where he is set to become a WWF wrestling star using the name 'The Lump'!
Gregor Andrews, Scotland

Lewis was lucky so far as he was a tiny bit more talented than the rest of the average boxing bunch of his era. Where do I start Frank (the pantomime) Bruno, Evander 'too old' Holyfield, Golota... He was also lucky that Tyson had to spend some time inside, when he was at his peak. As for a comeback, I would not recommend it. Remember Frank Bruno's comeback, he was knocked down by Tyson, and because of that Bruno is remembered as a pantomime man and not the boxer, these days. The same will happen to Lewis, and nobody would remember him in a few years. Henry Cooper is still the best heavyweight UK ever had.
Alberto Torres, USA

Lennox lost because of lack of concentration. I could not believe how many times he took his eyes off his opponent. No doubt he did not see the punch coming. Even Emanuel Steward never knows which Lennox is going to show up in the fight. Last evening was the average one.
Adam McNatt, USA

Rahman won is because he was patient. He found an opening and went for it. He may not hold the title for long, but it feels good when boxing has these upsets.
Pat McCurry, USA

Hasim Rahman: "Won't want a rematch"

Rahman's management won't want to go back in the ring with Lennox. They are going to go and make a fortune out of a Rahman v Tyson fight. Even if Rahman loses, it's going to be the biggest payday of his entire career and if he wins, well he's got the world at his feet.
Bill, Malaysia

You have got to give Lennox some respect as a sportsman, he showed great class and clarity of vision in the after fight interview almost minutes after that devastating punch from Rahman. I hope to see Lennox back in the ring soon showing us all that he is still champion material.
Chris Chandler, United Kingdom

I think that the reason Lewis didn't beat the count was because he was so shocked at what happened, but he got what he deserved. He was too cocky and had a sense of Hamed because he had a poor guard and tried to dodge the punches. He will never make a mistake like that again and Lewis v Tyson is still the fight I want to see.
M Pike, UK

Pantomime is next for Lewis. Britons can't box it's as simple as that

  Imran, UK

This defeat might have worked out well for Lennox, believe it or not. What looks like happening later this year Tyson will fight and beat Izon, then fight for the titles against Rahman and win again. What better reason for Lennox to carry on than to fight Tyson and regain the World Crown by beating Tyson. I'm sure Lennox would come back hungrier then ever.
Bill O'Mahony, Eire

One of the best right hands in the history of boxing! This is the best thing to happen to boxing in years! Bring on Rahman v Tyson, and put Lennox out to pasture where he belongs and where he seems to want to be.
Mr. McSkid, USA

Pantomime is next for Lewis. Britons can't box it's as simple as that. Americans rule this sport. Naz is just an over-hyped fighter who has intelligently managed his career, like the Spice Girls and Lewis has no style and a weak chin. Tyson would knock him into next week.
Imran, UK

Facts: Lennox Lewis is one of the most talented heavyweights ever, but he has twice shown signs of a serious flaw, complacency, over-confidence, whatever we may call it. Against McCall he showed that over-reliance on one punch can leave him exposed to a well practiced counter and with Rahman, that to under-prepare and have over-confidence in his imagined omnipotence will cause problems against a challenger suffering no nerves and who has trained diligently. One of his first post-fight comments was that he didn't even see the punch. It was thrown through his guard at an unusual angle. Good luck to Rahman for that. Lewis will prepare thoroughly the next time and will regain the title - if allowed to by the boxing alphabet boys.
Randy, UK

Lewis failed to absorb Rahman's punch and I can't see him withstanding Tyson. I urge Lewis to retire now before he is exposed further. And as for the experts, please give credit to Rahman and stop coming up with excuses. Lets now look forward to the Audley Harrison era.
Tumbikanani Mtika, Zambian in Oxford.

Mike Tyson: Lewis v Tyson looks increasingly unlikely

So Lennox Lewis has a weak chin on the basis of getting floored by the sweetest right hand I've seen for a very long time? Do me a favour! This defeat was caused by overconfidence and a lack of suitable preparation. He will not make the same mistake again. As with Oliver McCall, he will win the rematch and re-establish himself as the greatest heavyweight since Muhammed Ali.
Allister Webb, England

The difference on the night was that Rahman was confident with an element of respect and fear. Lewis was just plain arrogant. Any faint chance of a showdown with Iron Mike has all but gone.
RZ, Colchester, England

It is with quiet satisfaction that I greet Lennox Lewis' return to the canvas. Prior to this set-back he has lost no opportunity to compare himself as equal to Muhammed Ali and referring to himself in the third person. Now Hasim Rahman's has filled his mouth with leather and reminded him again what the canvas looks like up close. I expect it will be sometime before the message sinks in - and he reconnects his ego to his nervous system.
Akin, London, England

Lewis' loss in South Africa is purely a case of complacency and allowing his new found fame to get into his head. Boxing history is littered with such experiences of great boxers losing because of their complacency. I just hope he has learnt his lesson.
Tettey Samuel, United Kingdom

I can not see Lewis coming back from this humiliating defeat. I have always known that he is an average boxer in whose era fortunately there was paucity of talented opponents. He has taken the advantage and made his millions. It is now time for him to retire gracefully and save us all from his boring style.
Wilson Onyeka, UK

Great fighters are recognised by how well they come back, rather than how well they continue to win

  Priyesh Jani, London, UK

To say that this fight confirms that Lewis can not take a punch is to misunderstand what occurred last night. No boxer could have remained standing after that right, from Rahman. As with McCall the question is why did Lewis get sloppy and let his guard come down. The answer, as so man people have pointed to is his lack of preparation. Lewis should only continue fighting if he can get a quick re-match with Rahman. His career won't be enhanced by continuing to fight non-title bouts against the bums who remain in the heavyweight division.
Martin de Ridder, UK

About time! Lewis is a man of straw - too concerned with looking good and being cool to ever get involved in a real fight. Loves to throw showy punches when up against guys he can hit, but no real heart for the fight game.
Dave Evans, UK

I have to agree with Sunny, Lewis is a great fighter but has an extremely weak chin. Lennox would be blown away by Tyson's power. I feel its time for some fresh new talent in the boxing world. I think we should let Audley Harrison have a crack. I do however find it strange that British Boxing has taken a bad plunge, maybe it is time for Lewis to hang up his gloves.
Joe (14), UK

Great fighters are recognised by how well they come back, rather than how well they continue to win. Look at the records of Marciano and Ali. Who was more highly revered? I believe both Lewis and Hamed have the talent and mental strength to recover from these setbacks and go down in history as great fighters. In fact, I think these losses will re-ignite their passion for the sport in which both were losing interest.
Priyesh Jani, London, UK

Did beating Evander Holyfield make Lewis complacent?

What has happened to Lennox can happen to anyone. We should not despise him just because he has lost. He still stands a chance to regain his tittles. In fact, he has tried to keep the belts away from the angry Americans. But as a lesson, Lennox should never ever underrate his opponents in a game of boxing.
Davy Siame, Zambia

Some of the comments on this forum are laughable. Lennox Lewis lost - so what? He has been a champion, and will be again. We all make mistakes, no one is infallible. It is typical of the gripers to forget that he represented Britain as a winner for a long time before this upset.
Jim Rhodes, UK

Boxing championship belts invariably belong to those with talent who are hungry to succeed. Naz and Lewis have the talent, but can they regain the hunger? It's up to them.
Marius Whittle, South Africa

I think we saw a mediocre, arrogant and overconfident Lennox Lewis for this bout. He was overweight and did not acclimatize to the African venue. Uncharacteristically, he gave harsh remarks against Rahman. Perhaps, his wins over Grant, Botha, Golota and Holyfield inflated his ego. Rahman had the heart, the ability and the composure to beat Lewis. Lewis looked like the mediocre fighter that fought Mavrovich a few years ago. His credibility is shot and I hope this defeat makes him the humble and classy fighter he once was.
Willie T. Ong, Philippines

I can't see Lewis retiring. He won't want to go out on such a devastating low. Maybe he was thinking too much about Tyson, and should have had his mind on the job. Credit to Rahman for showing that he wasn't just there to make up the numbers.
Tony De Luca, UK

British boxing can recover from this but the public must be mindful of building their heroes up too high

  Dexter Smith, Bermuda

Lennox Lewis is no doubt a great boxer, but like I told anyone who bothered to listen, he can not take punch. In all his fights I don't think he's fought a heavy puncher. Tyson would have knocked Lewis out in two rounds. I can't see a future for Lewis, he's been frozen out of the boxing circle. The world of boxing has been exposed, where is Lewis, Holyfield, Naz and Tyson? Perhaps we have been conned all along.
Sunny Akinsoto, UK

If Lennox Lewis had fought Rahman as though his life depended on it he may have retained his title, but I felt I was watching the fight in slow motion and Lewis' dozy expression portrayed it. I remember years ago Floyd Patterson being destroyed by Ali in America but when Patterson came over to fight our 'Enery Cooper, was well beaten by him. The difference in boxing styles of the two countries is that we breed 'boxers' and America breed aggressive fighters.
P. Hewitt, UK

Contrary to most beliefs over here, Lewis is not a champion for the ages. He does little to excite with his robotic style and really cannot compare to the greats of the past. As was proven with Oliver McCall a few years back, he does not have the capacity to take a heavyweight punch. That, I believe, is why he has resorted to fighting "the boring fight". Naseem Hamed? Exciting but flawed, and when you come up against technically superior fighters such as Barrera a fighter such as Hamed will be exposed. British boxing can recover from this but the public must be mindful of building their heroes up too high. Hamed is good but never fought true quality fighters in their peak before Barrera.
Dexter Smith, Bermuda (based in UK)

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