By Phil D. Jay
Amir Khan’s business manager Asif Vali has made formal inquiries with the Nevada boxing commission over reports that Panama Lewis has been involved with opponent Zab Judah’s preparations in the build up to Khan’s WBA and IBF light-welterweight unification with the four-time champion.
Lewis was jailed in 1986 for six years after his part in a glove filling scandal involving Puerto Rican fighter Luis Resto, who battered Billy Colllins Jr. over ten rounds with an illegal substance in his gloves. It was 21 year-old Collins’ first career defeat and was subsequently attributed to his death by suicide in 1984, leading to convictions for Lewis and Resto.
“We’ve heard that this man has been around their camp,” Vali told The Telegraph.
“We are talking to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to make sure that if this is true he is not involved.
“He has no licence and if he turns up on Saturday night he will not be allowed anywhere near the locker room or Judah’s corner. We have to protect Amir.”
Both fighters were respectful over each other at yesterday’s final press conference and now just 40 hours from their eagerly awaited bout at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Khan, 24, is hoping to unify the 140lb division, before moving up to challenge Floyd Mayweather next year.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net