The 30-year-old boxer will face Paddy Donovan in a potentially career-reviving fight on Saturday (25.05.24) night and while he feels he’s been written off by some, he insisted he is “fitter, faster and stronger than ever”.

He told Boxing News magazine: “It seems like everyone thinks I’m dead old and finished but I feel brand new and I’m only 30.

“My hair might have gone but that’s down to my two daughters!

“I feel fitter, faster, and stronger than ever. I can’t wait to fight Paddy.

“He’s a very good fighter and one people are raving about as the next superstar, but we’re going to Leeds to upset the applecart.”

Lewis is hoping to silence his doubters, despite a year of inactivity.

He said: “I don’t do social media but to those who think I’m finished, I’m not.

“I think I’m coming into my prime.

“Maybe I overachieved early on, and people thought I’d stay at that level but I think I’ve don all right – the three losses I’ve had have been for the European title and two world championship final eliminators.

“I still love coming into the gym. When I was younger, you couldn’t get me in here, now you can’t get me out.

“My ambition has never left me and the fact I’ve had no fights since Ohara has not been my fault.

“I’ve had three dates pencilled in for Harlem Eubank and three pull-outs from him, not me, and a fight with Cyrus Pattinson fell through.

“We’ve had offers for Conah Walker and Lewis Crocker and accepted them, but when it came down to finalising a date, it’s not happened.”