By Michele Emrick
Lennox Lewis, former undisputed world heavyweight champion, has indicated he would be interested in making a comeback to face IBF, WBA and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko. However, that comeback comes at the hefty price of $100 million, the largest purse in boxing history.
Lewis, 48, has not competed in over 10 years, but said he could step back in the ring with only six months training if he were guaranteed $100 million. That amount is more than double what was guaranteed to Floyd Mayweather in his fight with Canelo Alvarez.
He indicated he was offered 50 million to end his retirement while attending Klitschko’s unanimous decision win over Alexander Povetkin this past weekend, but said that it would require at least twice that much.
“That is my price tag and it’s under discussion,” Lewis said. “I have told them I can be ready in six months and I am in provisional training.
“I said at the time that it will take $50 million to get me out of my pajamas, but now I have to consider the value of my legacy of having retired as undisputed champion. That will cost them $100 million.”
****UPDATE- Lewis has since denied via Twitter that he is willing to make a comeback against either brother.****
For years following his retirement, Lennox Lewis maintained he had no interest in making a comeback. His last fight was in June 2003 when he beat Wladimir’s older brother Vitali to retain his WBC title under controversial circumstances.
Klitschko suffered a deep cut above his left eye, but was leading on the judges scorecards when it was ruled he could not continue following the sixth round. The referee ruled the cut had been caused by a punch, which meant that Lewis was automatically declared victorious. Despite the hype, a rematch could never be made.
Should he come back, his focus would be on the younger Wladimir, however.
“I beat Vitali, so I would like to fight the other brother. But we’ll have to see how it works out,” he said.
http://youtu.be/RqlULA9MBrs
