Lennox Lewis Turned Down Vince McMahon’s Offer To Fight Brock Lesnar In WWE
Lennox Lewis had reportedly rejected a huge offer to face Brock Lesnar in a crossover WWE fight.
According to reports, a £5 million offer was made in 2002 by Vince McMahon. The boxer admitted that a deal was close to being made, especially since the heavyweight had nothing else to prove in the sport after having become undisputed in 1999. It is claimed that McMahon had spoken to the Nevada Athletic Commission in order to make it happen. While Lewis was keen on taking the offer, it failed to get over the line due to one issue. Lesnar would not be required to wear boxing gloves.
Lewis Rejects Offer
As the fight never got made, Lewis would retire a year later. The fighter did retire at the top as he stopped Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko in his last two fights. Meanwhile, Lesnar joined the UFC to become its first heavyweight champion in 2008. That was then followed by successful defenses against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin. Despite this being the case, Lesnar would end up losing his title to Cain Velasquez in 2010. But in any event, both fighters left a legacy in their respective sport.
Outside of the ring, Lennox Lewis’ mother, Violet Blake, has died. According to reports, the passing occurred on November 30th, 2023, at the age of 85. Violet had been seen throughout Lewis’ career during his post-fight comments in the ring, as she became an integral part of his success. Violet was born in 1938 in Jamaica as part of 12 other children.
Her father worked as a laborer, while her mother was a domestic maid. And from those humble beginnings, Violet would end up seeing her son reach the pinnacle of the sport in 1999. Lewis would become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating Evander Holyfield. And the boxer has been the last one to do so since then, although this is expected to change on February 17th, 2024, when Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk. The news has understandably left Lewis feeling a lot of emotions.
“It’s an indescribable type of hurt that has me reeling, yet also has me comforted to know she is now in a better place with no more suffering. I’ve spent the greater part of my life doing my best to honor her and repay her for all the things that she’s given me in life, and to make her life as comfortable as possible. I’m grateful that God has allowed me to this for her.
“We never know how much time we will have with our mums or loved ones, but I’m thankful for the time, love, life, and lessons she has given me over a lifetime. Mum, you are gone now and I’m praying you’re in a better place. Thank you for the foundation of love, discipline, and support that made all my dreams come true. None of it could have ever been without you, nor could any of it have meant anything without you,” Lewis stated
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