Three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has cheekily stated that he would give Tyson Fury a run for his money in the ring, suggesting he would beat him if both fighters fought in their primes.

Lewis last fought competitively in the ring 19 years ago; he's a former undisputed champion with a record of 44-2-1. An impressive record from arguably one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

Lewis' statement comes after 'The Gypsy King's' most recent fight with Dillian Whyte, a bout Fury won thanks to a deadly sixth-round uppercut on April 23.

His fight against The Body Snatcher seems to be the final one in his boxing career as he has plans to retire.

Talking to BT Sport after the fight, Fury said: "I promised my lovely wife Paris that after the third fight with Deontay Wilder that would be it, and I meant it.

"Now it's all done I have to be a man of my word. I think this is it, it might be the final curtain for The Gypsy King and what a way to go out!"

Fury's promoter Frank Warren also spoke to BT Sport, saying: "If it was going to be the last fight, it'll be the last fight. That's his decision, he's the guy getting in the ring. If it is his last fight, he has gone out on such a high."

Tyson Fury & Frank Warren
Boxing - Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte - WBC World Heavyweight Title - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - April 23, 2022 Tyson Fury with promoter Frank Warren during a press conference after the fight Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Tyson Fury & Frank Warren

As Fury enters retirement from boxing, Lewis suggests that he would defeat Fury if both fighters were in their prime.

Despite Fury's lucrative career in the sport, Lennox also teased that he has work to do to match his legacy in the heavyweight division.

Talking to TalkTV, as per talkSPORT, when asked about him vs Fury in their primes, Lewis cheekily and confidently stated: "I refuse to answer easy questions.

"Listen Tyson Fury is a great champion, he moves well and he punches hard. Has a great jab- and an uppercut now - and all he has to do is clean out the division like I did and beat the next generation."

Tyson Fury vs Lennox Lewis: Who wins in their prime?

Tyson Fury vs Lennox Lewis: Who wins in their prime?

Fury's record consists of 32 wins and one draw, and he is a two-time world heavyweight champion.

It's unlikely that Fury will ever fulfil Lewis' words of "cleaning out the division" as he eyes retirement. However, a battle between Fury and Lewis would be an exciting matchup for boxing fans to see, even if it is just an exhibition fight.