Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis disagreed with the referee Phil Edward's decision to stop last Saturday's heavyweight contest between IBO, WBA, IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and challenger Carlos Takam.

Takam, who went down in the fourth and suffered two cuts during the contest, was starting to do better in the later rounds, while Joshua appeared to be slowing down and breathing heavy as they entered the tenth.

Takam was in some some trouble after getting stunned by a few punches from Joshua, but he was fighting back and in the middle of an exchange as the referee grabbed him in a headlock to stop the contest. Even Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, were stunned by the stoppage.

The stoppage created a frenzy with the near 80,000 fans that packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The loudly booed the ending.

Lewis could see their point of view. He wanted the fight to continue as well and saw no reason for the referee to step in at the moment the fight was waved off.

“Early stoppage,” Lewis told Boxing News. “There’s always something these days. Would have been nice just to let it play out one way or another. Takam still looked strong and with his senses! Very good test for AJ though … especially with the broken nose.”

At the same time, Lewis admits that Joshua needed this type of contest to gain further experience as a pro. He like that Joshua stayed composed after suffering when appeared to be a broken nose in the contest. Joshua has since confirmed it was only bruised.

“This was just the type of fight, experience and adversity that Anthony Joshua needed. He wasn’t at his best, but sometimes you won’t always be and it’s those times you have to find a way. Some fall apart after a broke nose. He remained composed and controlled fight,” Lewis said.