January 23, 2005
LONDON (Ticker) - Former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is set to make a comeback after reportedly receiving an offer of nearly $40 million to fight Ukrainian heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.
Lewis, who retired last February, admits the money offered has lured him out of retirement.
"I'm making a comeback later this year," Lewis told the Sunday Mirror. "The money is up to 21 million (pounds) right now and I simply can't turn that much cash down."
With a professional record of 41-2-1 (32 KOs), Lewis became the first reigning heavyweight champion to retire since Rocky Marciano in 1956.
Reports suggest the 39-year-old Lewis could be ready for a rematch in November with Klitschko, whom he defeated via a sixth-round technical knockout in his last fight on June 21, 2003. Lewis watched Klitschko defeat England's Danny Williams last month.
"I wanted to get in the ring and show Danny how to beat him," Lewis said. "I've had to listen to a lot of rubbish from Klitschko, and he is starting to get on my nerves."
Before his reported rematch with Lewis, Klitschko will defend his title against Hasim Rahman in May.
LONDON (Ticker) - Former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is set to make a comeback after reportedly receiving an offer of nearly $40 million to fight Ukrainian heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.
Lewis, who retired last February, admits the money offered has lured him out of retirement.
"I'm making a comeback later this year," Lewis told the Sunday Mirror. "The money is up to 21 million (pounds) right now and I simply can't turn that much cash down."
With a professional record of 41-2-1 (32 KOs), Lewis became the first reigning heavyweight champion to retire since Rocky Marciano in 1956.
Reports suggest the 39-year-old Lewis could be ready for a rematch in November with Klitschko, whom he defeated via a sixth-round technical knockout in his last fight on June 21, 2003. Lewis watched Klitschko defeat England's Danny Williams last month.
"I wanted to get in the ring and show Danny how to beat him," Lewis said. "I've had to listen to a lot of rubbish from Klitschko, and he is starting to get on my nerves."
Before his reported rematch with Lewis, Klitschko will defend his title against Hasim Rahman in May.
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