LENNOX LEWIS, the last great heavyweight emperor, is willing to allow Tyson Fury to join him at the top.
If Dillian Whyte defeats the undefeated WBC champion tonight, he will have won every belt, trained Wladimir Klitschko and outgunned Deontay wilder.
Lewis, who was the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999 after beating Evander Holyfield, believes that Fury's victory would seal Fury’s place in the British heavyweight boxing pantheon.
Legendary 56-year-old legend stated: "Every era brings great fighters.
"You've been through my era. This is a new era for a great fighter -- Fury certainly fits the bill."
Lewis is willing for Fury to take over his old position as undisputed boss, if Oleksandr Usyk can grab the WBA and IBF straps. He is also set to defend against Anthony Joshua in August.
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He said, "Let's just say that everyone loves this undisputed title." It was a great experience, but it was me who set the records.
"If someone is going to break it then that's what I set it for."
Lewis was asked if Joshua should travel to Wembley for the PS31million showdown. He replied: "I would, if I were in his position.
"Why not? Let's fight this man, it is your choice.
BETTING SPECIAL - GET FURY AT 30/1 OR WHYTE AT 100/1This was the last all-English heavyweight fight of this magnitude. It was Lewis' seventh round KO of Frank Bruno in Cardiff, 1993.
Listening to Lewis reflect on their bitter rivalry -- which has not fully settled nearly 30 years later -- is a glimpse into what might unfold tonight.
He stated that it was all about Frank and me, and that most people were for Frank. He was a charming man -- everyone loved him.
"I came from Canada to represent Canada at the Olympics. Young, hungry and ready for battle. It was basically the old against the new.
"I wanted to tell Britain to get behind me," but they were behind Frank up to a point.
"I told them that if they fought, they would be able then to see who was the better man.
"At that point, Frank was their man and me the new guy coming in.
"There were many questions surrounding me -- I answered them.
"I'd never boxed in such a large stadium before. However, I can recall the roar of the crowd and how it was different from indoors.
The weather can also have an impact. It should have been warmer when I went out.
"My team was thinking because they had a blanket."
Lewis said that he had the upper hand in the heated verbal exchanges they had with Bruno.
"They helped me, because Bruno kept saying that he was going knock me back to Canada. It helped me get upset to an extent.
"I thought, "Don't worry until you get in the ring." I liked the idea of being angry.
"My anger grew during the fight. Frank Bruno did a good job, his jab was strong -- but he got a little carried away.
Lewis believes that Fury is at risk from getting too carried away.
After Lewis' shock KO loss to Hasim Rahman in South Africa, 2001, he had spent too much time filming a part in Ocean's Eleven and planning a fight against Mike Tyson.
Lewis was able to wreak havoc seven months later with a fifth-round punch that shattered the script.
He also said that complacency is still a formidable opponent for any heavyweight champion and hot favourite.
He said, "Who can beat Tyson at this point after the last Deontay bout?" Tyson is who I'll tell you.
"If he isn't focused, too relaxed, or if he puts his nose out, these are all signs of disaster."
Lewis, the WBC champion, retired after a Vitali Klitschko win.
Fury insists this is what he will do. Joshua and Usyk are still pleading for their name on the record.
Lewis believes Fury, which is different from the rest of us.
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He said, "For Tyson he knows inside what he's capable of."
"If he doesn’t want to fight anymore, to prove anything to himself, it means that he can retire."
- BT Sport Box Office will be showing Fury v Whyte tonight at 6pm. For more information go to bt.com/sportboxoffice
