By Mark Vester
The trainer of Kostya Tszyu, Johnny Lewis, has issued a strong warning to Tszyu that if he returns to the ring, he is risking his health. We reported last week that Tszyu was pondering a return to the ring, after being out of the ring for 14 months - and counting. Tszyu, turning 37-years-old next month, blamed a bad performance against Ricky Hatton on an injured shoulder. After successful surgey on his shoulder last week, Tszyu told the media that he is strongly considering a return to the ring, even though his wife Natasha and long-time trainer Lewis are both against the idea.
"It's not about winning or losing - it is about the future and Kostya's health," Lewis told The Sun-Herald. "Kostya is very strong mentally and I have no doubt he could get back into fighting shape, but I don't want to see it."
Lewis does not want Tszyu to suffer the same fate as dozens of other fighters who made returns to the ring after their skills began to fade.
"History tells the story of too many fighters who have had one or two fights too many. I want to see Kostya bow out now, while he is still fit and healthy and still able to enjoy with his family the money he has made. I understand that he doesn't want to make a definitive announcement about retirement because it could affect his earnings, but I'd like him to be realistic. You take a lot of punches even in sparring and I don't want Kostya to take the risk. This is a sport in which you can get old suddenly."
Lewis said that if Tszyu does decide to return, he will not be in his corner to help him.
"But if Kostya does decide to fight again I won't be in his corner. That would make me a hypocrite."
