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Lewis to defend title Report says heavyweight champ will fight in April
Posted: Tuesday January 04, 2000 08:07 PM
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis likely will defend his title for the first time against Michael Grant in Madison Square Garden in April, a spokesman for Lewis's U.S. promoter said Tuesday. "They're talking as we speak and hopefully they can wrap the deal up as soon as possible," said Main Events spokesman Donald Tremblay. "Both sides are eager for the fight to be made." Tremblay said Main Events and Lewis's British-based promoter Panix Promotions are negotiating with HBO's pay-per-view arm TVKO for the April 29 fight. One source close to the talks said the American would receive $3-4 million and Lewis would get $10 million for his first fight since becoming undisputed champion by beating Evander Holyfield on a unanimous decision last November. Based on his last fight Grant would likely be a substantial underdog against Lewis. Grant was taking a beating from Andrew Golota for most of their November 20 fight, getting knocked down twice. In round 10, Grant knocked down Golota, who bounced up at the count of two and did not appear to be seriously hurt. But when the referee routinely asked him if he wanted to continue, the Polish-born Golota quit. Lewis (35-1-1) would return to Madison Square Garden after his controversial draw there with Holyfield March 13, a bout clearly dominated by the only British fighter to hold the undisputed heavyweight title in the 20th century. At 6-6 Lewis will be shorter than the 6-7 Grant, who is 31-0.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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