By Mark Vester
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko was waiting on whether or not Lennox Lewis would come out of retirement for a long-awaited rematch, and he got his answer. Retired since their 2003 battle, Lewis finally spoke about the rumors of a possible return to the ring against Vitali.
The former undisputed champion said for the first time that he was willing to return to the ring, but only if he received an unrealistic purse $100 million dollars or more. Considering the economy and the budget cutbacks of the major networks, he would be lucky if he saw $50 million dollars. Lewis says the sport needs him and he can save it by returning.
“The heavyweight game is so boring now. If someone wants to pay me serious money — $100m or so — then I will fight again. I don’t have to do this but boxing needs me,” Lewis told News of The World .
Promoter Frank Maloney, Lewis' former manager, thinks the fighter has gone mad with his recent comments.
“Lennox must be delusional if he thinks he can save boxing. No one man is bigger than the sport but it proves every man has his price. Lennox is an all-time great but he will never re-discover the form that made him the best heavyweight in the world,” Maloney said.
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