By: James Blears
Watching Ingamar Johannsson train for his 1959 bout against Floyd Patterson and then sitting through their scrap, persuaded Rocky Marciano to go back to the gym after a three year retirement to try and re-capture the elusive old magic.
Common sense quickly prevailed and The Rock conceded he felt like an old self, rather than his old self.
Lennox Lewis called it quits after stopping Vitali Klitschko on cuts in six rounds, in June 2003. Lewis huffed and puffed to that victory and it was more than evident that Father Time had caught up with him, at a trot rather than a canter. Klitschko very nearly did.
But now, he’s saying that he seen weaknesses in the giant Ukrainian’s defenses and he just might come back and give him a re-match.
At the WBC’s Christmas breakfast bash in Mexico City, its Executive Director Mauricio Sulaiman , did not exactly give this Lewis’ whim the green light. But he did leave the door of opportunity ajar by saying:
“Well Lennox Lewis will always be Lennox Lewis, one of the greatest heavyweight champions and a true asset to the sport. The pride of the WBC inside and outside of the ring. We don’t know if this is only his reaction, or what he wants to do. He misses the spotlight. Whatever he decides, we will keep a close eye on this, and support him in which ever direction he takes. And we are very proud of our Champion Vitali Klitschko.
“I cannot give a personal opinion, but all I know is that with boxers, it’s hard to limit their goals. They miss being in the limelight, in the newspapers and in the ring. Boxers are warriors, so they always want to prove to themselves what they can or cannot do. So it is very difficult.”
Undefeated Baby Joe Mesi who was ranked number one contender by the WBC is now in the most difficult fight of his career. He’s trying to get his indefinite suspension lifted and persuade the Nevada State Athletic Commission life, to pass him fit to fight again.
Joe’s admitted to one brain bleed in his March 13th fight against Vasily Jirov, but there may have been as many as three.
Team Mesi has finally submitted Joe’s medical records, but it’s more than likely that the Commission will want to see the films of the MRI’s. This will be most probably needed before a panel can be convened.
Mauricio Sulaiman said: “We have requested Joe Mesi to bring the medical examinations and if he’s licensed by the Commission and he proves his condition is completely safe, then he will be re-installed in the boxing world.
“He’s undefeated, a great prospect, a great heavyweight and a great person outside the ring.”
Mauricio explained that if Joe was passed fit by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, he would have to have a comeback fight, and from there, the WBC’s Ratings Committee would decide his ranking position.
Joe Mesi was being lined up to fight Mike Tyson, who slid to defeat against Britain’s Danny Williams and following his fourth round knockout, underwent knee surgery.
Mike has now passed his thirty eighth birthday, but is reputed to be training for another comeback fight, possibly round about March.
Mauricio Sulaiman said: “With his power, Mike Tyson can change the result of a fight with one punch. So he will have a chance to become world champion again. It all depends on his condition and his preparation. I will never count out Mike Tyson.