“In international competition, they had some really good fighters. Many of the fighters came from low-income families, so they were hungry and determined to succeed,” Lewis explained. “I maintained my fitness and my workout program, thanks to my great trainers Hal Lewis, Ike Stafford, and Master Thai, who provided valuable insights and guidance. They kept me grounded and focused, paying off in the long run.”

Throughout his boxing career, Lewis participated in 64 fights, achieving 45 KOs and experiencing 7 losses. He emphasized the mental aspect of the sport, saying, “In this sport, you have to use your mind as much as your body. It’s like a chess game; you’re playing chess with your opponent. You can’t pass the ball or throw it to someone else; when you step into the ring, you face yourself. So, anyone you fight deserves a lot of respect because it’s like going to war.”

Lewis recalled challenging fighters from Laos and Thailand, describing them as some of the toughest opponents he faced. He specifically mentioned one fighter, Manson Gibson, known as “The Thai Destroyer,” as a source of great respect and learning in his career.

His career also took him to Moscow, where he fought one of the toughest opponents in Red Square. Reflecting on the experience, he noted how different cultures and experiences enriched his life.

Both of Lewis’ world titles came from Tokyo, Japan. He won his second title in 1998 and donated his third belt to a friend in Baltimore, MD, who now teaches boxing. He occasionally conducts seminars for around 50-60 people at the same school.