Klitschko wants Lewis rematch

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boxinginsider.com

Evening Standard - London - May 11, 2004

VITALI KLITSCHKO today called on Lennox Lewis to make his mind up about their possible World Boxing Council heavyweight title rematch.

Lewis announced his retirement from boxing earlier this year but is already having second thoughts after watching world heavyweight champion Klitschko take his title with an eighth-round victory over South African Corrie Sanders last month.

The former British undisputed heavyweight champion visited Klitschko's dressing room after that fight and the Ukrainian hopes the prospect of a Pounds 8.4million purse may entice him into a rematch.

Klitschko said: "I would like to fight Lennox Lewis again because it would be a great fight. I respect his decision to retire but if he wants to fight again I would like to fight him."

Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Portugal last night, Klitschko added: "I asked Lennox about our next fight but he would not say yes or no. He told me he would think about it.

Many champions make comebacks but I feel I could beat him."

Meanwhile, heavyweight contender Jameel McCline wants the International Boxing Federation to reverse an earlier decision and make him the mandatory challenger for their title held by Chris Byrd.

The IBF last week decided that Byrd could go ahead with a rematch against Andrew Golota before fighting McCline.

McCline's attorney claims the only reason the IBF approved the rematch was because Don King promotes both fighters and he has asked them to reconsider their decision.