By Dmitry Lukashov

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40KOs) reflected back on his fight with Lennox Lewis. Klitschko challenged Lewis for the WBC/IBO titles in June of 2003. The fight was stopped in the sixth round, after the ringside doctor felt Klitschko's facial cuts were too severe to allow him to continue. At the time of the stoppage, Klitschko was ahead on all three of the official scorecards.

Despite his best efforts, Klitschko was never capable of securing a rematch. Not long after their fight, Lewis retired from boxing.

"I am grateful to him. He gave me the opportunity to test myself in battle with one of the greatest boxers in history. It was the hardest fight of my life. I know that I did not win, but at the same I did not lose. The end result, in fact, remains open. Who would have won on the judges scorecards will always remain unknown [if they allowed the fight to continue]," Vitali said. 

"Only an unfortunate injury prevented me from continuing the fight. I think this fight made him go into retirement. I answered everyone who doubted that I could have been the best in the heavyweight division. Right now me and Lennox are good buddies. I often see him and discuss various topics, from the memories of the past to current events."

Dmitry Lukashov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru.