Very Interesting interview with Lewis before his Klitschko fight...

[Thread Stealer]

Manny Steward has repeatedly said in the days/months after that fight that his guy was in shape.

Lennox was at an HBO card two weeks before the VK fight and Lampley was talking about what great shape he was in and it would be a shame to train as hard as he had and then have no opponent to fight.

LL won the fight there is zero doubt but VK is always being dogged on for fighting guys who are not in shape (Sanders, Johnson and Lewis), Sanders and Johnson were in awful shape but who cares, LL was in a lot better shape than most would admit and I think the fact that he was able to get thru such a unique HW war spells it out even louder. Yes LL won but VK has to be given some credit for one out pointing LL on the cards before his face let him down and 2 for taking part in the best HW fight since Ibeabuchi/Tua.

LL was in pretty good shape for that fight.

a fighter is not going to say "i'm not in good condition".

even brittley admitted that lewis was not in good condition.

Lewis weighed 256 1/2 pounds, the heaviest of his career, and he appeared soft in the middle. For one of the few times in the 6-foot-5 champion's career, he was punching up at an opponent.

"I knew his condition was not good, he's very heavy. He couldn't fight hard," Klitschko said.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/boxing/news/2003/06/21/lewis_vitaly_ap/

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1571304&type=news

[Franko]

Lol the only person falling was Lewis on his stool. You immature dumbass, Im not American first off, and second that uppercut had as much effect on Vitali as Byrd's best shot on Tua's whiskers. LOL seriously who the hell do you think your fooling? I have seen Lewis vs Klitschko more times than I can count, and I say this will all honesty that uppercut caused no danger what so ever on Vitali's part. Now the right hand delivered in round 2 by Vitali, had Lewis out on his feet, and no one could argue that, not even you.

The right hand delivered by Klitschko in round two was indeed a great shot, but it didn't get Lewis out of there... I don't want to get drawn into a debate about slugfest's, and punch statistics etc, as although Klitschko's face was a bloody mess it doesn't necessarily mean he lost a 'slugfest!' Cuts in boxing can happen any time, but some fighters are more prone to cuts than others (Alan Minter & Henry Cooper spring to mind). If you get cuts like the one's Klitschko suffered against Lennox Lewis it doesn't really matter how far ahead on points you are unless there are only one or two rounds remaining, which there wasn't in that fight. Therefore, Vitali Klitschko had to knock out Lennox Lewis and he didn't do that. Lennox took advantage of the situation and got the win, simple as that.
People can go on about Vitali retiring Lennox Lewis all they want, but i don't see why Lewis would have to be ashamed of the fact that he did seem to age in the Klitschko fight. Fighters will always claim that they are in great shape prior to a fight, but at the age of 37-38 time can suddenly catch up with you, and Lennox clearly wasn't in the shape he liked to think he was, or would have people believe. Personally i don't see the point in going on about Klitschko retiring Lewis when Lennox was clearly looking past his best and retirement should have been imminent in any case, but Klitschko still lost the fight, and although it's not a fight i've watched a lot, as far as i recall i was favouring Lewis for the knock out more so than Klitschko at the time as i thought that Lewis had took Klitschko's best shots, and if the fight had went any further Klitschko would have struggled to see shots coming from Lewis due to his eye being in such a mess, and that's an obvious danger against a big puncher like Lewis. However, the fight was stopped at the right time as Klitschko could have ended up seriously injured if it did go further. It wasn't a great performance by Lewis by any means, but sometimes great fighters still get the win without looking so great.

[Thread Stealer]

The right hand delivered by Klitschko is round two was indeed a great shot, but it didn't get Lewis out of there... I don't want to get drawn into a debate about slugfest's, and punch statistics etc, as although Klitschko's face was a bloody mess it doesn't necessarily mean he lost a 'slugfest!' Cuts in boxing can happen any time, but some fighters are more prone to cuts than others (Alan Minter & Henry Cooper spring to mind). If you get cuts like the one's Klitschko suffered against Lennox Lewis it doesn't really matter how far ahead on points you are unless there are only one or two rounds remaining, which there wasn't in that fight. Therefore, Vitali Klitschko had to knock out Lennox Lewis and he didn't do that. Lennox took advantage of the situation and got the win, simple as that.
People can go on about Vitali retiring Lennox Lewis all they want, but i don't see why Lewis would have to be ashamed of the fact that he did seem to age in the Klitschko fight. Fighters will always claim that they are in great shape prior to a fight, but at the age of 37-38 time can suddenly catch up with you, and Lennox clearly wasn't in the shape he liked to think he was, or would have people believe. Personally i don't see the point in going on about Klitschko retiring Lewis when Lennox was clearly looking past his best and retirement should have been imminent in any case, but Klitschko still lost the fight, and although it's not a fight i've watched a lot, as far as i recall i was favouring Lewis for the knock out more so than Klitschko at the time as i thought that Lewis had took Klitschko's best shots, and if the fight had went any further Klitschko would have struggled to see shots coming from Lewis due to his eye being in such a mess, and that's an obvious danger against a big puncher like Lewis. However, the fight was stopped at the right time as Klitschko could have ended up seriously injured if it did go further. It wasn't a great performance by Lewis by any means, but sometimes great fighters still get the win without looking so great.

Good post.

it is humorous how some brittley fanboys try to claim that lewis was in good shape and then try to use lennox lewis's words as proof, as if lewis is going to say "yeah, i'm not training like i should be".

how about the words of the person who was in the ring with lewis?

even brittley said that lewis was heavy and not in good shape.

naturally, the last time lewis came into a fight not well prepared, he got iced by rahman. and a young lewis came into the mccall fight in good physical condition and got stopped. and a prime lewis came into the mercer fight in good shape, and arguably lost or drew with mercer, who himself was not exactly light and active.

shows you have overrated brittley's performance against lummox was.

brittley fanboys....good for a laugh, but little else.

[JJay]

why the arguements?..its obvious vitali was winning the fight....but he didnt win the fight..which is the main thing. I think with a full training camp behind lewis..he wouldnt have looked so sluggish,and i think the fight would have gone longer,and lewis would have got a TKO in the latter rounds. Thats not to take anything away from vitali...he really took the fight to Lewis.

One of the best heavyweight fights of the past decade...u could even put 2 decades into that....excelelnt..loved the 2nd round...v.exciting

[lennon]

A great interview, has him saying that he was in great shape before Klitschko fight, and indicates that he put on the extra weight to control Kirk Johnson (a much smaller fighter) in the ring, he also claimed that since Klitschko is taller he must adjust. Another intersting thing is that he claimed he could be in this division as long as he wanted to. And stated that he was "VERY" motivated for this fight. Not to mention made claims of a Roy Jones fight down the line.


http://www.********boxing.com/boxing...-Interview.php
Here are some direct quotes for the fight from Lewis.


Question: Are you much more motivated for this fight than you were for Kirk Johnson?

Lewis: I am much more motivated for this fight against Klitschko. I am more motivated because of his size and because he has been trying to take me to into court to take my title. I am motivated due to the fact that his promoter likes to see his name in the paper. At one time, we tried to make this fight and his promoter was lying to the Klitschko brothers and overpriced himself trying to get extra money. I feel good and confident about the fight and I am ready to go.


Question: Lennox and Emanuel, what changes in training did you have to go through in order to prepare for Klitschko as opposed to Johnson?

Steward: You have two different types of opponents. What I got from Johnson’s comments is that he intended to run when he fought Lewis. He said he was going to try and win the championship with his feet. It is more exciting fighting a guy like Klitschko.

He is too big to be doing any running. You have two guys with tremendous physical strength, and as a result, you are going to have an explosive fight between two big fighters. We just have to adjust to punching up for a change instead of punching down.

A lot of our techniques that we always use to control shorter opponents will not be effective, so we will have to start all over. You cannot get any sparring partners to simulate Klitschko’s style, so we have to go with what we have.

Question: Can you talk about what it took to get this deal done?

Lewis: It took a little coercing by a couple of people. I felt that this was the fight for me and the fight would happen. I needed to sit down with my colleagues and lawyer, and discuss the matter more. We did that and decided this was the best move. I did not want to wait until November for the next fight, or even wait for Johnson to get better. I just wanted to take advantage of the fact that I have been in camp and training, and I am ready to go.


Question: You once said you wanted to eat one Klitschko brother for breakfast and the other for lunch, but Corrie Sanders took one of your meals when he knocked out Wladimir. Which meal is Vitali?

Lewis: Vitali is definitely lunch. I have some kryptonite for the Superman, Roy Jones, for brunch.
Question: What challenges will Klitschko’s awkward style present to you?

Question: How important is it that you had a significant layoff before this fight?

Lewis: This fight really came about at the right time. Before the Tyson fight, I had two fights with Hasim Rahman. One I lost in Africa, and then I had a good training camp and busted him over here. I had a good training camp and took care of Tyson. I earned a well-needed rest. After a year layoff, I still came back feeling good, and it felt natural.

Question: Emanuel, by getting this fight over with, does it bring about a fight with Jones Jr. more quickly?

Steward: If Jones stands up to the plate and does what he has indicated, it looks very realistic for Nov. 15. If not, there always is going to be someone out there for Lewis to fight. I think Jones is a very good possibility, but I want to get Klitschko out of the way.

Question: Are either Tyson or Sanders possible opponents for you down the road?

Lewis: (Silence)…. I think you have your answer.

Steward: Tyson does not want to fight, so how can you fight someone that does not want to fight? We have gone to court to force Tyson to fight. Sanders is not really established as a fighter. His only claim to fame is beating (Wladimir) Klitschko. If the public demands it, maybe we will fight Sanders, but right now, Lewis is focused on fighting only top notch, quality opponents. I do not think Sanders is exciting right now.

Question: Has Johnson lost his opportunity to fight you?

Lewis: Yes.

Question: Do you feel Henry Akinwande gave you any preparation for Klitschko?

Lewis: When I boxed him, he taught me how to do the waltz. I do not think people want to watch me learn that dance step.

Question: How you considered fighting Chris Byrd?

Lewis: You cannot put a lion in there with a bird.

Question: Have you ever taken a fight on this short notice?

Lewis: In my younger days, I took fights on this short of notice. I cannot remember which fights. Because I had an extensive amateur career, it happened that opponents showed up at the last minute. I have to go in there and adapt. This is a different situation. I am a great professional now, and I have learned to adapt and do the things to make fights happen.

Question: Emanuel, how do you tailor your sparring partners to prepare for Klitschko?

Steward: We are going to go with what we have. Lewis has natural talent and experience, and is more effective with taller guys than shorter guys. He has been facing class “A” fighters all of his life. Lennox is a class above what Klitschko is used to. Everything has been favoring Lewis. Emotionally, Klitschko is not going to be as confident as Lewis. I think if Lewis comes out and makes it a tough, physical fight, the fight will not go over five rounds.

Question: Did you learn anything from watching Klitschko in the Byrd fight?

Lewis: Yes, when the tough get going, Klitschko will not be able to take my kind of pressure.

Question: Is Klitschko going to be another bum of the month?

Lewis: No, he is not really a bum of the month. Guys like that are mandatory fights, or guys the public wants me to fight. That is the situation.

Question: What is your opinion of the heavyweight division right now?

Lewis: I could be around for a long time if I choose.

Question: Do you have any fear of looking past this fight?

Lewis: No. I am focused on the fight at hand, just like I was focused on the Johnson fight.

Question: Emanuel, how do you view Klitschko?

Steward: Klitschko is a technical fighter. He has a good jab and fights well for a fighter his size. A lot of guys who are tall bend down to fight, but he stands straight up. He has a good overhand right and is a good fundamental fighter. He is also used to having tall sparring partners, since he sparred with his brother.

Question: How do you feel about fighting in Los Angeles?

Steward: This is a fantastic opportunity. We are excited about it. We have been in Los Angeles on many different occasions and really enjoy it. Being there is different than being in Las Vegas or somewhere else. Celebrities will come out to see the fight, and there is international interest. It is a true heavyweight championship fight and people can come out to see one of the last fights of Lewis’ career.

Question: Both you and Vitali thought you were going to fight in November. Is there a psychological advantage in fighting now for either fighter?

Lewis: I think it is an advantage for me because I am always ready to fight. This came all of a sudden, and he did not expect to fight me.
Question: How much longer would you like to fight?

Lewis: Let me get over this one. I could probably get a Roy Jones fight after this year. Jones said he is a heavyweight. Let him prove it. I think it would be intriguing to the fans and to Jones because he believes he can beat me.

Question: Emanuel, do you think this is going to be a quick fight?

Steward: When Lewis fights physically big guys, who he is threatened by, he is a very aggressive predator. He changes completely like he did against Akinwande, (Andrew) Golota and (Michael) Grant. When Lewis comes out and throwing big punches early, somebody goes down. Lewis is a very accurate puncher, especially for a big man. I do not think Klitschko is a fast enough boxer to dance around the ring, so he is going to have to get involved. I think the fight is going to be over early.

Question: Are you positive Johnson suffered an injury?

Steward: I 100 percent believe Johnson has an injury. Opportunities like this come along very rarely. By him forfeiting this opportunity, he may have forfeited his opportunity to ever fight for the heavyweight championship. I am quite sure he is injured.

Lewis was also self promoted so he is hardly going to tell everyone he isnt in shape before they buy their tickets or to let the opponent know he is underprepared. Even worse is to believe a word Steward says, he talks more crap than don king.

[WLAD OWNS]

Vitali schooled Lewis with 1 EYE and he was clearly ahead on the scorecard 58-56 at the time of the stoppage. Lennox Lewis cowardly turned down over 20 million dollars to face Vitali in a rematch because he was SCARED and he knew he would get KO'd.

[tills9191]

OK this is it.
Vitali was ahead on the scorecards, 58-56.
Had the fight gone further, lewis would have capitalised on vitali's cut eye, and would have won every single round after the stoppage, if not a KO.
case closed.

[Franko]

why the arguements?..its obvious vitali was winning the fight....but he didnt win the fight..which is the main thing. I think with a full training camp behind lewis..he wouldnt have looked so sluggish,and i think the fight would have gone longer,and lewis would have got a TKO in the latter rounds. Thats not to take anything away from vitali...he really took the fight to Lewis.

One of the best heavyweight fights of the past decade...u could even put 2 decades into that....excelelnt..loved the 2nd round...v.exciting

Vitali was winning the fight, but it was no foregone conclusion that he would have gone to win the fight by a landslide majority decision, as some would claim. In my opinion Lennox won rounds 3 & 6, and there could be arguments to score the 4th round even, therefore, with 6 rounds still remaining in the fight i also don't see the point in arguing about it. Although Lennox was past his best, and not in the greatest of shape, it is possible that Vitali Klitschko would have drawn him into that type of slugfest at any stage of his career, however, Lennox still got the win, and IMO, he was the more likely to score a knock out due to the severe cuts suffered by Klitschko.

[TheFairPole]

This article just proves what I've said all along. Lewis tried to sue Tyson into a rematch for the money but wouldn't rematch Vitali for $20 million guaranteed, but that doesn't mean anything right guys...

[Thread Stealer]

Vitali schooled Lewis with 1 EYE and he was clearly ahead on the scorecard 58-56 at the time of the stoppage.

58-56 is 4-2 Quitali.

Quitali won the first two rounds, then got cut early in round 3.

So with the cut, Quitali won 2 rounds and Lewis won 2 rounds.

so since when has winning 2 rounds and losing 2 rounds been schooling someone?



brittley fans, good for a laugh, but little else.