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Lewis rules out comeback

21/11/2005

Lennox Lewis has reiterated his intention to stay in retirement and has refuted claims suggesting a sensational return to the ring was imminent.

The former undisputed world heavyweight champion was speaking at the launch of the Muhammad Ali Centre in the US where he was one of four former champions in attendance.

But, emblematic of the current standard of the heavyweight division, none of the current champions - Hasim Rahman, John Ruiz, Chris Byrd or Lamon Brewster - were deemed high-profile enough to warrant an invite to the gala.

And this is one of the main reasons why rumours have persisted in linking Lewis with a return, particularly in the wake of former WBC champion Vitali Klitschko's retirement.

But Lewis, who is now 40 years old, dismissed these rumours at the gala event last night, insisting: "I am happily retired."

He added: "I was shocked Klitschko retired after just one defence and now they [the division] need me back but I won't come back.

"It means I have left a great legacy. To be a great champion, it's important to have longevity and to be the last man standing. I'm one of the people who has done that."

Lewis retired in June 2003 after defeating the Ukrainian via a cuts decision in a gruelling clash but has been consistently rumoured to be considering a comeback.

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