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Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each other

, Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each other

HEAVYWEIGHT giants Anthony Joshua and Lennox Lewis have been feuding for years.

Joshua, 33, is preparing to return to the ring on Saturday night when he takes on Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena.

Anthony Joshua flew out to see Lennox Lewis after winning gold at the Olympics

He ended up snubbing Lewis’ coaching offer when he turned professional

The Olympic gold medallist is attempting to bounce back from successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

But irrespective of the outcome against Franklin, one man AJ is unlikely to impress is British legend Lewis.

The 57-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

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Lewis beat the likes of Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno and Vitali Kitschko during his sensational reign at the top of the division in the 1990s and early 2000s.

And he could have remained in the sport as a coach following Joshua’s gold medal win at London 2012.

AJ flew to Jamaica to meet Lewis as he prepared to turn professional the following year.

But things did not work out, with Lewis telling the Undefeated Podcast: “We talked about my career and he loved listening to the stories and all the different things that I went through.

“I said, ‘I’d love to help you,’ I don’t want to be his promoter, I’m not a promoter, but there’s things I can teach him.

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, Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each otherJoshua and Lewis meeting in 2013

“He phoned me, he said, ‘I really want you to help me.’ I said, ‘Okay, good.’

“Then I didn’t hear from him again. I heard that he picked some other people to help him, he was doing his professional career and that was it.”

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Joshua snubbed Lewis for Tony Sims as he embarked on his pro career with the Essex-based coach.

Sims would help AJ claim his first world title, before he was replaced by Rob McCracken in 2016.

And in 2017, after Joshua’s win over Wladimir Klitschko, Lewis took his first public swipe at his fellow countryman.

He said: “Me and Evander Holyfield were there actually [at Wembley] for German TV when he boxed Klitschko.

“We were outside the dressing room [after the fight]. We wanted to big him up as first champion after the Olympics. Now he’s beat the big man, we’re there to congratulate him.

“Security brushed us out of the way and brushed him in there. He was like, ‘Len–’ and gone. They pushed him in.

“I said, ‘Okay, cool. They don’t want me around. They don’t want me near to him.’ The promoter, [Eddie Hearn] definitely the promoter, no doubt about that.

“You allow your promoter to do that to the last undisputed, to me and Holyfield, and we’re there to big him up.

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“You’ve showed me your position, I’m not gonna be running after a person if I know their position.”

He also criticised Joshua’s inability to make a fight with then WBC champion Deontay Wilder, saying to Boxing Scene: “He wants to go around making money.

, Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each other
Joshua was with coach Tony Sims, far right, for the first 17 pro fights of his career

“I think that’s going to be a downfall for him. He has to stay with it, he can’t be in the background.

“If he wants to be champion, he has to act like a champion.”

Since then, Joshua has suffered three professional losses – to Andy Ruiz and Usyk twice.

And it was after the Ruiz defeat when his rivalry with Lewis bubbled to the surface once more.

Speaking about Joshua, Lewis suggested he should change trainer again, tweeting: “Too many things went wrong in that fight to say he was properly prepared for Ruiz or the situation he found himself in.

“AJ found himself asking questions with no answers. They couldn’t make the adjustments…

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“I say you can’t go to university with your third-grade teacher.

“They won’t have the answers you need at that level. You need a professor by then.”

, Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each other
Joshua labelled Lewis a clown in a 2019 interview

This time Joshua responded, telling Sky Sports: “Lennox is a clown. I don’t respect Lennox. Me and Lennox are not the same.

“My legacy is to sit back and enjoy the younger generation coming up, and not to be involved.

“Just to appreciate what it takes to get there. Lennox isn’t like that. Me and Lennox are cut from a different cloth.”

Lewis did not take these comments lying down, replying on social media by pointing out that he became undisputed champion – something Joshua is still yet to achieve.

He said: “Wow! He’s right! We ARE cut from a different cloth.

“Undisputed wasn’t something I ‘worried’ about. It was something I went after until it was accomplished!

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“Disappointed in AJ’s words but I understand that this ‘jealousy’ narrative was only fabricated AFTER I criticised them for Wilder negotiations. All of a sudden I’m a hater.

“Ask who benefits from such a simple-minded narrative? Not AJ. Not me.”

Not one to back down, Joshua posted his own message on Instagram.

He said: “Always say it how it is. A clown is a clown. He can wipe his make-up off, but his heart remains the same.

“No squares in my circle, cuz. G s*** only.”

Lewis commented that his “door remains open” to Joshua despite the beef, but that “disrespect is not the answer to his frustrations”.

After a month of quiet, Joshua then reflected on the back and forth with Lewis.

He said: “Lewis has never reached out… The only times I’ve ever heard of Lewis making contact is via the internet.

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“Who does take time to call me, and is not so much involved in the internet stuff, is Wladimir Klitschko.

“Calls me, advises me. He’s not doing it for the clout. He just calls me man-to-man.

“I just feel like, when it comes to me, it’s kind of different, ‘Anthony’s dodging, Anthony Joshua’s not this, he needs to do that.’

“Why are you always attacking me, rather than reaching out like Klitschko and giving a young man advice when I need it?

“I’m not two-faced. You poke me, you poke me, sooner or later you’re gonna hear what I have to say about you.”

Lewis again replied that Joshua was “most definitely wrong” and the pair have avoided speaking about each other over the last four years.

, Inside Anthony Joshua’s long-running feud with ‘clown’ Lennox Lewis and why pair refuse to speak to each otherLewis was the last undisputed heavyweight champion

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fight in order to train boxing?

Fighting is the only way to train boxing. It is important to put in the effort to improve your boxing. But if you do, you’ll find that you can improve your boxing technique, speed, endurance, strength, and stamina.

A good fight will help you improve your boxing technique. It is important to observe their movements, their defenses, and how well they use punches. You can then try to imitate them.

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Next, you’ll have to spar against another opponent boxer. This is where you will see if your boxing technique has improved. When you spar, you’ll also notice how fast you can punch, how strong your punches feel, and how well you block incoming punches.

Finally, practice your boxing skills with drills. You can improve your boxing skills with practice, so be patient.

How long do boxers train a day?

Boxing trainers work out for at least 4 hours each day. They also learn new moves and practice punches. Boxers may spar up to ten times per week.

How to protect yourself

When you’re being attacked, you must always protect your head. The goal is to avoid getting punched. You must know how to stop an incoming punch. Here are the steps:

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  1. Elevate your shoulders high and straighten your shoulders.
  2. Keep your elbows near your sides.
  3. Block the incoming punch by using your forearm.
  4. Counterattack immediately.
  5. Continue blocking the attacker until he runs away.
  6. Do not let up on your defense.

How can a beginner start boxing at home?

Boxing is one the oldest known sports. Boxing was developed in ancient times to train warriors for fighting against foes. Today, boxing is still widely practiced around the world. Boxing doesn’t require you to attend a gym. You only need a pair of gloves and some punching bags.

Amateur boxing clubs can be found in your area where you can get trained by professionals. Once you’ve mastered basic punches and combinations, you’ll be ready to compete in tournaments.

How can you improve your punching form?

Boxing is all in the form of punching. To be a good boxer, you need to master the art of punching. Here are some ways to improve your boxing technique.

  • Keep your head up. Your head should always be up while throwing punches.
  • Punch from your shoulder. Use your shoulder to strike the target when you punch.
  • Pay attention to your feet. Keep your feet still when you are punching.
  • Make quick, short punches. Your body will be tired faster if you are throwing longer punches.
  • Don’t forget about defense! Always be ready to stop any incoming punches.
  • Use your elbows. Elbows are an effective way to defend yourself.
  • Use your legs. If you learn to use your legs properly, they can help you avoid getting knocked down.
  • Practice every day. Even if you feel exhausted after training, don’t give up. It takes practice and dedication to excel at any skill.
  • Have fun Enjoy what’s going on.
  • Breathe. You will be stronger and have more energy if you breathe correctly.
  • Relax. Don’t worry so much about making mistakes. Just focus on learning new things.
  • Be patient. Boxing is hard. It takes time to master your skills.
  • Never stop learning. As long as there’s room to improve, there’ll be more.
  • Music is a great way to relax. Listening to music during training can help you to relax and stay focused.
  • Watch videos of professional boxers. It can inspire you to do better.
  • Read books. Reading helps you to understand boxing techniques.
  • Pause. Sometimes, it is helpful to take a break from boxing. Play soccer or basketball outside.
  • Find a coach. You can improve your boxing skills by having a coach who is knowledgeable.
  • Do push-ups. Push-ups can be a great way to increase strength and endurance.

Statistics

  • It is just like normal sparring with a partner, but you want to throw punches at 75% of your normal speed. (wikihow.com)
  • This article received 39 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)

External Links

boxandflow.com

expertboxing.com

How To

Here are some basic skills in boxing

How to box effectively

Boxing is a popular sport. It consists of two opponents who try to knock out each other’s head. The rules of boxing vary from country to country. There are generally three types of boxing: Amateur, Professional, and Olympic.

Amateur boxing is usually practiced at school, college or university. This boxing style includes sparring sessions without protection, using padded gloves. Amateur boxing contests are usually three rounds in length, lasting five minutes each. There are many styles to amateur boxing like Kickboxing. Muay Thai. Taekwondo. Karate. Judo. Wrestling.

Boxing professionals are usually trained in clubs, gyms, or stadiums. They use protective equipment, such as mouthpieces, nose guards, shin protectors, elbow pads knee pads, waist belts and groin protectors. Professional boxing contests last six rounds and last for four minutes each. There are many types of professional boxing. These include Boxing (MMA), Kickboxing (Mixed Martial Arts), Muay Thai and Taekwondo.

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Olympic boxing is performed at the Olympics. International standards dictate that boxers must wear protective gear. The eight rounds last three minutes each and are held over eight rounds. Only two types of Olympic boxing are available: Light Flyweight or Heavyweight.

These are the basic skills required to box.

  • Punching techniques
  • Guarding techniques
  • Footwork
  • Stance
  • The body moves
  • Defense
  • Combination
  • Rotation
  • Spare parts

Punching Techniques

There are seven types. Each punch has its own technique. Some punches are more powerful than others. An example of this is an uppercut, which requires tremendous force. However, a straight punch is much more powerful and faster than other punches.

There are many combinations that can be used to punch. These are combinations that combine punches to accomplish a particular goal. A combination may have multiple parts. For example, a left hook followed by a right cross will cause damage to the opponent’s jaw.

Guard Techniques

To defend himself from being attacked, a boxer uses his entire body. He does this using his legs and arms, elbows as well as hands, knees and feet.

Legs

Boxers should use their legs to defend against kicks. After receiving a kick, he will raise his leg and move away from the attacker. To avoid being kicked in the side, he bends down if the attacker attacks from the front. He will block the kick with his foot if the attack is coming from behind.

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Elbows

Elbow strikes are very powerful because they inflict great pain. An elbow strike may be delivered directly or in an indirect manner. Directly refers to hitting your opponent with the forearm, while indirect means you hit him using another part of your arms.

Hands

Boxers use both their hands and arms to prevent incoming blows. To do so, they raise their fists above their head and move them towards the direction of the attack. Then they make contact with the attacker’s fist.

Knees

When receiving a blow to the stomach, abdomen or chest, a boxer should bend his knees to absorb the impact. Knee strikes can be used to defend yourself.

Feet

A boxer should take control of an attack and respond with counter-attacks. This will help him gain distance from his opponent. Boxers should also keep their balance when counter-attacking.

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Stances

Boxing is only possible if a boxer has a clear stance. How he defends his self will depend on how he stances. It determines where he will face his opponent and how he will position his body. Boxers can take many different stances. These are the most popular:

  • A low stance
  • High stance
  • Southpaw stance
  • Western stance

Body Movement

A boxer must be able to move around his opponent in order to win a fight. This requires changing your position, speed, and rhythm.

Rotation

Rotating his arm to increase the puncher’s reach is a key part of boxing. You can rotate at different speeds depending upon the punch.

Combinations

The timing of each punch determines the effectiveness of a combination. A combination is good if it starts with a strong punch then ends with a weaker one.

Spare parts

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Sparring is an exercise session to improve boxing skills. Sparring is a training session that helps a boxer train his mind and body. The purpose of sparring is, in short, to learn how fight and not get hurt.

You need to have patience and dedication in order to learn how boxing works. You need to train hard and long in order to become a better boxer.

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