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| | Sunday, 9 June, 2002, 05:44 GMT 06:44 UK Lennox's future uncertain Tyson and Lewis embrace after the fight Lennox Lewis refused to speculate on his boxing future despite Mike Tyson's request for a rematch after their Memphis clash. Lewis was instead content to bask in the glory of his convincing defence of his WBC and IBF heavyweight titles with a masterful eighth round stoppage. He said: "I wanted to complete my legacy and to prove I'm the best fighter in the world. I showed boxing that I am the best on this planet. "I just had to stay with my game plan and keep using my jab. I hit him with some great punches, but boy can he take them."
Now 36, Lewis must decide whether he has anything more to prove in the ring or if it is time to walk away from his sport at the very top. That decision will not be made in the near future. "I'm going to take one day at a time," Lewis added. "Everyone asked me what I was going to do after this fight, but I just wanted to prove my point first.
"I'll definitely consider a rematch if it's what the people want, but anything is possible." Tyson on the other hand, is desperate to rescue a ring reputation that has been in decline in recent years. Out-boxed for most of the eight rounds, he was upbeat despite his defeat and showed his intention to keep boxing by asking Lewis to fight him again. "I'm happy with my performance," Tyson said, "and the pay-day was excellent. "If he'll be kind enough to do it again I'd appreciate one more fight.
"I've known Lennox for 15 years and we've always been friends - but in competition the better man wins and does everything he can." Tyson was on his best behaviour during the fight, and afterwards played down his menacing behaviour towards Lewis in the build-up. He added: "Everything said beforehand was for the promotion. "I love him and respect him too much to do anything disrespectful to him - to think I would do that would be just crazy." | |
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