LENNOX EXCLUSIVE: I will fight again for $100m, admits Lewis

By PIERS MORGAN

Lennox Lewis, Britain's former undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, has admitted that he is prepared to make a sensational $100 million comeback.

Rumours of a return were rife in boxing last week after his former trainer, Emanuel Steward, and his last opponent, Vitali Klitschko, claimed 43-year-old Lewis was back in the gym.

THE CHAMP: Lennox Lewis raises his arms in victory in his last fight, stopping Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko to retain his WBC heavyweight title in Los Angeles in June 2003

Lewis has now admitted the rumours are true, depending on the right deal being struck with promoters.

Speaking from his home in Jamaica, Lewis told me: 'If someone wants to pay me serious money, $100m or so, then I will fight again. I don't have to do this, I don't need the money and my legacy speaks for itself. But boxing needs me. The heavyweight game is so boring now. All the characters are gone. I would like to save my sport.'

Lewis, 18st 4lb in his last fight but now thought to weigh more than 20st, insisted that he could be ready 'in six months' and he revealed that the biggest offer he has received since retiring has been 'around $40m'.

Lewis said: 'It would have to be nearer $100m to make me say yes, but there are people out there who can get that kind of money together. There are a lot of people who would pay to see me fight again. It would be exciting, for the sport and for me.

And if I come back, it will be to win, not play.' Lewis vowed never to box again after he quit in June, 2003, following a victory over Klitschko when the referee intervened in the sixth round with the Ukrainian badly cut.

Lewis says he has changed his mind after seeing recent heavyweight fights, including Klitschko's own comeback last month at the age of 37 when he reclaimed the WBC title by defeating Nigerian Samuel Peter.

Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko clash during their WBC and IBO World Heavyweight Championship bout at the Staples Center in 2003

'They have been so dull and one-sided. I couldn't believe what I was watching,' said Lewis. He insisted that his motivation for coming out of retirement was to restore credibility to his sport.

'Boxers usually come back or continue fighting for two reasons,' he said. 'Either the atmosphere of the crowd or the money. Me? I don't need either, I'm happy as I am. But I think the sport needs me and I love my sport. And I don't like seeing it the way it is. '

Lewis lost twice in his 44-fight career, to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, but both times he fought his opponents again and beat them. He retired having beaten everyone put in front of him, a record that understandably gives him pride.

'I think I was a great champion,' he said. 'But my achievements will be recognised more in years to come. My legacy is growing. I was the last of the great heavyweights, the pugilist specialist. I beat everyone there was to beat, I went back and beat the only two guys to beat me, and I retired after a victory at the end, which only Marciano and Tunney did.

Legacy: Lennox Lewis overcame the likes of Mike Tyson

'In both cases that I lost, they threw great shots and I was caught off-guard. I made little mistakes and in the heavyweight boxing game that can get you knocked out. But if you can come back from that, then that's what makes you a real champion.'

Klitschko, speaking earlier in the week, said he would welcome a Lewis comeback. 'I heard he is thinking about it. If Lennox announces an official decision, that would be great,' he said. 'I have shown him a good example. I made my comeback after four years and took the world title. 'The fight [against Lewis] was stopped because I had a huge cut over my eye, but I was ready to beat Lennox.'

Steward, who trained Lewis throughout his heyday, feels a return to the ring to fight Klitschko would be welcome. 'I'd love to see them finish those last six rounds,' he said. 'There's unfinished business.'