When did Lennox Lewis's decline start ?

I actually think he got quite allot slower under Steward although he did improve technically and tactically after that. In terms of raw speed he has to be at his peak for Rudduck, Bruno and Tucker. He got stronger/bulkier after that, but slower

 

Not slower, just as you said improved technically.

He didnt need to be wild and explosive. As powerful and big as a guy is, he still needs to deliver his shots correctly and thats what Steward taught him.

 

Quite right. He looked good against Mike Tyson in 2002 mainly because Tyson was crap by this time.

 

Ruddock/Bruno/Tucker era is the prime time Lennox - Manny may have been a better teacher but that spark went - the nasty streak that bit of arrogance the will smith hair that basketballer type speed and flexibility for a tall guy plus he kept his weight down to what it should've been - later he became boring fatter and methodical

 

The Lewis that destroyed Ruddock was a fine athletic, aggressive HW. But under Steward what he lost in speed he made up for with strength and technique.

His prime years as a fighter but perhaps not physically were 97'-00' with Tua being his last peak fight. I think he turned the clock back a bit in the Rahman rematch.

For the record i don't remember him complaining to Steward in the Mercer fight at all, which has been suggested. The only times i remember him complaining were in the Holyfield fights about Evander's head and maybe the Bruno fight about the rabbit punching.