BRITAIN’S former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis confirmed last night that he is considering a return to the ring.

Lewis, who retired after defeating Vitali Klitschko in June 2003, said he would only fight if the money was right. “If someone wants to pay me serious money, $100m or so, then I will fight again. I don’t have to do this, I don’t need the money and my legacy speaks for itself. But boxing needs me. The heavyweight game is so boring. All the characters are gone. I would like to save my sport.”

The first intimation that Lewis might return came when Klitschko and Lewis’s former trainer, Emmanuel Steward, recently claimed that he was back training in the gym. Klitschko said: “If Lennox announces an official decision, that would be great. I have shown him a good example. I made my comeback after four years and took the world title.”

However, Lewis’s comments may not be welcomed by all boxing observers. The Briton, who grew up in Canada, is one of the sport’s few champions to have retired while at the height of his powers. In 44 fights, he lost just twice and, when he beat Klitschko, held all of the most respected world title belts.

There are now three different world champions in the heavyweight division. Broadcasters and fans would certainly be interested if Lewis was to challenge any of them, especially Klitschko.

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