MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- WBO heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko of Ukraine has praised Briton Lennox Lewis' eighth-round knockout of Mike Tyson in Memphis on Saturday.

Vladimir, who was at ringside for the WBC and IBF heavyweight showdown along with his brother, Vitali, a former WBO heavyweight champion and current No. 2 contender, said after the bout: "Lennox Lewis fought a very, smart technical fight."

Vladimir, who makes the fourth defense of his WBO title against Ray Mercer in Atlantic City on June 29, said: "I was very impressed (with Lewis).

"I expected Tyson to be very dangerous in the first three rounds and then Lewis to take control in the mid-to-late rounds, but Lewis took command even earlier than that.

"Tyson wants a rematch but after this I doubt anybody would want to see it. I would love for Lewis to fight me or my brother, Vitali."

Vitali, who faces Larry Donald in Dortmund, Germany on July 20, said: "It was an interesting fight, but I was not surprised.

"Lennox Lewis is very smart and he fought an excellent fight. I am not sure he got caught with one clean punch. He threw nice combinations and dominated.

"I have studied Lewis for a long time, however, and he does make some mistakes that I feel I could take advantage of. I am not going to explain or talk about them, but if we ever fight I know I will make him pay for them."