In the annals of heavyweight boxing, few names command as much respect as Lennox Lewis and Anthony Joshua. Both men stand as British icons, towering over the division with their impressive size, devastating power, and elite skill sets.
But what if these two heavyweight giants met in their primes? How would Joshua’s modern athleticism match up against Lewis’ legendary skill set? Would Joshua’s explosiveness be enough to take down the battle-tested Lewis, or would the former undisputed champion’s superior ring IQ and durability prove too much?
Let’s break down this dream matchup and determine who would emerge victorious in an all-time battle for British supremacy.
Physical Matchup: Size, Strength, and Power
Both fighters boast similar physical attributes, making this a fascinating contest in terms of raw ability.
🔹 Lennox Lewis: 6’5”, 245 lbs, 84” reach
🔹 Anthony Joshua: 6’6”, 240 lbs, 82” reach
At first glance, Joshua’s size advantage is minimal, with just an extra inch in height. But Lewis’ reach is two inches longer, giving him a potential edge in controlling distance with his jab.
Power? Both men are knockout specialists, capable of ending fights with one punch. Lewis demonstrated this against Mike Tyson, Hasim Rahman (rematch), and Razor Ruddock, while Joshua has put away the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, and Alexander Povetkin.
But power alone doesn’t determine victory—durability, technical ability, and ring IQ play crucial roles. And that’s where the real debate begins.
Key Advantages: Who Holds the Edge?
Let’s break down the key strengths of each fighter.
Lennox Lewis’ Strengths
✔ Elite Jab & Ring Control
Lewis’ jab was one of the best in heavyweight history. He controlled range masterfully, dictating fights and setting up his crushing right hand. Against Joshua, this would be a major weapon, keeping AJ at bay and disrupting his rhythm.
✔ Proven Against the Best
Lewis faced a murderer’s row of opponents, including:
Mike Tyson (TKO 8)
Evander Holyfield (W & D – Undisputed Championship)
Vitali Klitschko (TKO 6)
David Tua (UD 12)
Hasim Rahman (Rematch KO 4)
Razor Ruddock (TKO 2)
This level of competition far outweighs Joshua’s resume. Lewis was battle-tested against prime legends, proving he could adapt against any style.
✔ Durability & Recovery
Though Lewis suffered two knockout losses (to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman), he avenged the latter in devastating fashion. His ability to bounce back and improve after setbacks was exceptional.
✔ Fight IQ & Adaptability
Lewis was trained by Emmanuel Steward, one of boxing’s greatest minds. He could fight aggressively or box patiently, depending on the opponent. Against Joshua, his ability to adapt mid-fight would be a massive advantage.
Anthony Joshua’s Strengths
✔ Explosive Power & Fast Hands
Joshua is one of the most dynamic heavyweights of the modern era. His combinations, particularly in close range, are faster and more fluid than Lewis’. Against an aging Wladimir Klitschko, he demonstrated his killer instinct by stopping him in the 11th round after a brutal uppercut.
✔ Modern Athleticism & Conditioning
Joshua, like many modern heavyweights, has a regimented strength and conditioning routine, making him an imposing figure in terms of speed and stamina. His ability to fight at a fast pace for extended rounds could trouble Lewis, who sometimes relied on a slower, methodical pace.
✔ More Disciplined Than Lewis’ Reckless Opponents
While Lewis fought power punchers like Razor Ruddock and David Tua, those fighters were often wild and reckless—playing into Lewis’ counterpunching. Joshua, on the other hand, fights with more patience and calculated aggression, meaning he wouldn’t rush in carelessly.
The Big Question: Who Wins?
Would Joshua’s power and explosiveness be enough to crack Lewis’ durability? Or would Lewis control the fight with his superior jab, wear Joshua down, and take him out late?
Scenario 1: Lewis Wins by Late TKO or Decision
Most analysts would argue that Lewis’ experience, jab, and adaptability would allow him to take control of the fight after a few rounds. His ability to neutralize Joshua’s inside game and break him down with precision punches would be key.
In a 12-round fight, Lewis would likely:
✔ Keep Joshua at bay with the jab
✔ Force Joshua into uncomfortable exchanges
✔ Wear him down by the later rounds
If Joshua tires by Round 9 or 10, Lewis’ finishing ability would take over, leading to either a late TKO or a dominant decision victory.
Scenario 2: Joshua Wins by Early KO
If Joshua wins, it’s because he lands big early. He’d need to take risks—something fighters like David Tua failed to do against Lewis.
To pull off the upset, Joshua must:
✔ Attack aggressively in the first 3-4 rounds
✔ Target Lewis’ chin early before he establishes his jab
✔ Use fast, powerful combinations in close range
If he can land a fight-changing uppercut (similar to the Klitschko fight), he could stun Lewis and force a stoppage.
Final Verdict: Who Comes Out on Top?
While Joshua is an elite-level heavyweight, he hasn’t proven himself against the same caliber of opponents that Lewis has. The former undisputed champion defeated multiple Hall of Famers, adapted his strategy in the ring, and had one of the best jabs in boxing history.
Prediction: Lennox Lewis by Late TKO or Unanimous Decision (Rounds 9-12)
Why Lewis Wins:
✅ Better jab and control of distance
✅ More experienced against top-tier opposition
✅ More durable and proven against bigger punchers
✅ Higher boxing IQ and ability to adapt
While Joshua could pull off an early KO, the odds favor Lewis breaking him down and stopping him late.
What If They Actually Fought?
Unfortunately, we’ll never see this British dream matchup, but that hasn’t stopped fans from debating it for years. Joshua himself has paid tribute to Lewis, acknowledging his legacy as the greatest British heavyweight of all time.
However, Lewis has been critical of Joshua at times, questioning his mental toughness following his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. This led to a public war of words, with Joshua calling Lewis a “clown” who he doesn’t respect.
Despite the tension, their styles make for an incredible fantasy fight—one that would captivate boxing fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Legacy and Greatness
While Joshua continues to build his resume, Lennox Lewis remains the benchmark for British heavyweights. The last undisputed heavyweight champion, Lewis dominated an era filled with legends and retired at the top.
Joshua still has time to add to his legacy, but to surpass Lewis, he must:
Regain a world title
Defeat the best of this era (Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder)
Show the adaptability and longevity that Lewis did
Until then, Lewis holds the edge in this all-time debate.
But what do you think? Could Joshua’s power change history? Or would Lewis prove too skilled and experienced?
💬 Drop your thoughts below! Who wins: Prime Lennox Lewis or Prime Anthony Joshua?
