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'Awesome power' Big punches boost Lewis' reputation
Posted: Sunday April 30, 2000 07:43 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Lennox Lewis has one less belt, and one larger reputation. Exposing Michael Grant's amateurish ways cost the Briton the WBA heavyweight title, but it may also do wonders to the image of a heavyweight champion tarnished by his lackluster fights with Evander Holyfield. "I don't think I should be judged by the two fights with Evander Holyfield," Lewis said. "I think this proves I've got awesome power and I can take you out with one punch." Lewis gave up a piece of his heavyweight title -- he still retains the IBF and WBC belts -- to give Grant a chance to fight for the championship Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. After knocking Grant down three times in the first round and then out in the second, it may have proved a good tradeoff. Lewis showed he could do the things boxing fans like to see in a heavyweight champion -- mainly, knocking opponents stiff -- even though it came against a fighter whose skills were not nearly as big as his frame. Winning 31 straight fights didn't prepare Grant for the beating he got from Lewis, who enjoyed clear shots to Grant's head when the challenger lunged after him and left himself wide open. "This was an opportunity for me to show my aggressive side," Lewis said. "There's always been a question about my heart. I don't know where they got that one. Lennox Lewis has a great heart." The 34-year-old champion, whose heart indeed had been questioned even though he has lost only once, needed an opponent to display his punching power against. He got it in Grant, who tried his best to take the fight to Lewis and paid the price. A little more than halfway through the first round, Lewis threw a punch to the body followed by a right to the head that put Grant down for the first time. By the time the bell sounded to end the first round, Grant had been down two more times and the only question was whether he would come out for the second round. He did, and managed to last until late in the round, when a Lewis uppercut floored Grant, and he was finally counted out at 2:53 of the second round for his first defeat in 32 pro fights. The uppercut came as Lewis held Grant's head with his left hand, something the referee apparently didn't see. "I was surprised his corner sent him out for the second round," Lewis said. "I thought Michael Grant's style was the perfect style for me to showcase my talent." Grant admitted to "stupidity on my part" for trying to take the fight to Lewis, but it was clear that a fighter who only began boxing six years ago was no match for the heavyweight champion. "Lennox is a champion for a reason," Grant said. Lewis still holds the WBC and IBF version of the titles -- a U.S. federal judge ordered the WBA to strip him for not fighting the top contender -- but it may be more significant that he showed he could fight like a big heavyweight champion. That didn't happen in two cautious fights with Holyfield. "I'm glad he didn't go another 12-rounder," said Emanuel Steward, Lewis' trainer. "Lennox actually enjoys exciting fights." Lewis, who earned some $10 million, emerges from the fight atop the heavyweight ranks, no matter what happens with the WBA title. Holyfield is expected to fight John Ruiz for the title in June, but few will see it as a legitimate heavyweight title fight. "Whoever picks it up is just a paper champion," Lewis said. "I'm still the undisputed champion." Lewis is now scheduled to fight Francois Botha, last seen getting cold-cocked by Mike Tyson, on July 15 in London. After that, there's a possible date with contender David Tua in September. But the heavyweight division doesn't have a lot of fighters who have both the name recognition and the skills to challenge Lewis. That could pose problems for future earnings potential, as Saturday's fight with Grant was hardly a blockbuster on pay-per-view. There's always Tyson, of course, in a match that has been long awaited and would be huge. That could come in the spring, although nothing is certain with the unpredictable Tyson. "The whole world would love to see that match," Lewis said.
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