Lennox Lewis posts stylish tribute to Vitali Klitschko on anniversary of their fight as he hails former opponent for defending Ukraine amid war with Russia

Lennox Lewis has paid tribute to his former opponent Vitali Klitschko 19 years after their fight for the world heavyweight title.

In June 2003, Lewis defeated Klitschko in the last fight of his career, stopping him on cuts in the sixth round.

The end of the fight was controversial as the Ukrainian was top on the scorecards.

Lewis then decided not to pursue a rematch and retired, which did not help relations at the time.

Nearly two decades later, the couple have more than settled their differences.

Now Klitschko has a much bigger fight on his hands.

He is the current mayor of Kyiv and represents Ukraine in the midst of its current war with Russia.

As a result, Lewis’ message on their fight anniversary was very different this year.

Lewis posted: “Normally on June 21 I would do a fight anniversary post of my fight with Vitali Klitschko but today I just want to say hello.

“He is in the biggest fight of his life and the sacrifices he has made to serve his fellow Ukrainians is not only commendable, it is admirable.

“It takes a lot of courage to step into a boxing ring, and as fighters we know that every fight could be our last, but the courage to defend your country and fellow citizens like yourself takes a level of courage and different love. .

“So on this June 21, I salute you my friend Vitali.

“May God keep you safe and grant you peace, love and happiness. Bless.”

Klitschko responded with a comment that simply read, “Thank you.”