He lost the war. Lennox retired rather than fight Vitali again, and Vitali became the heavyweight champion.
Lewis has always appeared uncomfortable and defensive whenever he talks about the Klitschko fight publicly. I would have been surprised, but not shocked, if Lewis publicly admitted that he was on the verge of defeat against Vitali.
No, actually he didnt lose the war you simp. Lewis was an old man with no more motivation left. Beating TYSON was his final goal. He came into the Vitali fight fat, took Vitali lightly, yet STILL won. A prime, motivated Lewis would have bashed Vitali's brains in within 5. All you Klit lickers need to realize this.
How many millions was Lewis offered for the Vitali rematch? Think about it: Lewis wavered for a while, trying to decide about the fight, then turned it down, and forfeited his title. What does that tell you about Lewis's self-confidence? The Vitali fight was a pyrrhic victory for Lewis. That means that he took such punishment -- physically and mentally -- that he really lost, even though he "won." Winning a pyrrhic victory almost always translates into losing whatever the greater struggle is about. That holds true in war, politics, and sports. The trauma of the Vitali fight ended Lewis's career.
Lewis lost only on points but did what he had to do. At least Vitali was focused. Maybe, just maybe, Lewis did the right thing by walking away. What if VK won a 2nd fight, then it calls for a third? Lewis didn't need to go there, nor did he need the money. Congratulations to Vitali. Next topic.
For Lewis, there is no shame in walking away from the Vitali rematch, even though declining the fight cost Lewis his title. In truth, Lewis had reached the end of the line physically, and he knew it. Lewis was a great champion, and he deserved to retire with his legacy intact. Lewis did not deserve to end his career KO'd in the Vitali rematch...which definitely would have happened. Great champions deserve to retire while still on top.
hahaha Vitali punched the glass jawed coward into retirement, Lewis knew that if it wasn't for that missed fluke punch that cut Vitali (due to tape not fully wrapped on Lewis glove and then worsened by Lewis fouls), he'd never had a prayer at stopping the perfectly honed killing machine that is Vitali. Nobody can.