12.06 - Lewis and Steward discussed their upcoming fight against former WBO Heavyweight Champion Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko on Saturday, June 21, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Lewis agreed to defend his World Boxing Council/International Boxing Organization (WBC/IBO) titles against Klitschko, the No. 1-ranked WBC contender, after Kirk Johnson withdrew last Friday due to an injury. Lion Promotions will present the historic card. Los Angeles last played host to a world heavyweight title fight 44 years ago when Floyd Patterson defended his crown for the third time with a 13th-round TKO over Roy Harris on Aug. 8, 1958, at the old Wrigley Field.

Question: Emanuel and Lennox, can you give us some opening comments?

Steward: There is a lot of credit due to Lennox Lewis, because it is very difficult to change up an opponent at the last moment. In this case, changing up means fighting a guy three inches taller as opposed to three inches shorter. If Lewis was fighting a normal guy, this would be a difficult change, but fighting Klitschko is a major change. We have to adjust to punching up, instead of punching down. It is very difficult to get him to adjust and difficult to get proper sparring partners, but Lewis’ natural talent and experience will take him through. This is the biggest fight in the heavyweight division. To me as a trainer, I am more excited about this fight than the Kirk Johnson fight.

Lewis: I am excited as well. The fact that Klitschko and I were training for different opponents, and changed to fight each other just two weeks before the fight is incredible. It was unfortunate that Johnson could not fight, but Klitschko and I said why not now, rather than waiting until November. It is a good opportunity to show the world how great I am, and how well I can adjust. It is just a size difference. I am a person that can adjust very easily. This is my chance to show the world that I can do that.

Question: Lennox, how determined were you to make the fight happen?

Lewis: I thought this was a good opportunity to make the fight happen due to the fact that not a lot of people knew Johnson as know Klitschko. This fight was supposed to be coming in November, and it was a situation where the June 21 card would have seen both of us showcase our talent as a run up to fight in November. Now, there is no run up. We are just going to give Los Angeles what they wanted, a great fight and a great card. I am just happy to be a part of it.

Question: Are you much more motivated for this fight than you were for Kirk Johnson?

Lewis: I am much more motivated for this fight against Klitschko. I am more motivated because of his size and because he has been trying to take me to into court to take my title. I am motivated due to the fact that his promoter likes to see his name in the paper. At one time, we tried to make this fight and his promoter was lying to the Klitschko brothers and overpriced himself trying to get extra money. I feel good and confident about the fight and I am ready to go.

Question: What is your response to Klitschko saying he is going to knock you out?

Lewis: That is easy. How many people has he knocked out compared to how many I have knocked out?

Question: Lennox and Emanuel, what changes in training did you have to go through in order to prepare for Klitschko as opposed to Johnson?

Steward: You have two different types of opponents. What I got from Johnson’s comments is that he intended to run when he fought Lewis. He said he was going to try and win the championship with his feet. It is more exciting fighting a guy like Klitschko.

He is too big to be doing any running. You have two guys with tremendous physical strength, and as a result, you are going to have an explosive fight between two big fighters. We just have to adjust to punching up for a change instead of punching down.

A lot of our techniques that we always use to control shorter opponents will not be effective, so we will have to start all over. You cannot get any sparring partners to simulate Klitschko’s style, so we have to go with what we have.

Lewis: We wanted to get Jameel McCline, but he did not want to come in and spar. He is scared of me as well. It is too bad because I thought we could work together and help each other. He is really too scared, and I do not blame him. We offered to give him a first-class ticket and everything he wanted, but he wanted $50,000 for one sparring session. In the end, he got really scared and did not want to come.

Question: Can you talk about what it took to get this deal done?

Lewis: It took a little coercing by a couple of people. I felt that this was the fight for me and the fight would happen. I needed to sit down with my colleagues and lawyer, and discuss the matter more. We did that and decided this was the best move. I did not want to wait until November for the next fight, or even wait for Johnson to get better. I just wanted to take advantage of the fact that I have been in camp and training, and I am ready to go.

Question: How did this deal get done so quickly when other fights have taken so long to make?

Lewis: Basically, we had a deal in place for the next fight. We had this fight and then the Klitschko fight in November, so it was basically easy to get done.

Question: Lennox, do you look at Klitschko as someone you can take out quickly?

Lewis: Each fight you fight is different, but I do not believe there are any big guys as good as me. Klitschko does not have my skills or experience, so I have to take advantage of those things. I am inclined to agree that Wladimir might be a better fighter than Vitali, but different styles make different fights. They are both good fighters, but have different styles. I look at Vladimir as having more skills because of his size. He is the shorter one. Vitali is bigger and may have different skills he can utilize.

Question: You once said you wanted to eat one Klitschko brother for breakfast and the other for lunch, but Corrie Sanders took one of your meals when he knocked out Wladimir. Which meal is Vitali?

Lewis: Vitali is definitely lunch. I have some kryptonite for the Superman, Roy Jones, for brunch.

Question: What challenges will Klitschko’s awkward style present to you?

Lewis: It definitely will take some adjusting to adjust to his style. This is what I mean when I say styles make fights, and I believe I can adjust and adapt to what he brings. I am ready for anything.

Question: Do you think Klitschko’s lack of tough competition will affect him in this fight?

Lewis: I think it will affect him. In my mind, he has bit off more than he can chew. He has been asking for this fight for such a long time and here it is. He is going to get it full force.

Question: Being that this fight could have been on pay-per-view if it was made earlier, do you have any resentment toward Klitschko, and will you take it out on him in the ring?

Lewis: There is definitely some resentment. Like I said, he has bitten off more than can chew. He wanted this so much. Like they say, be careful what you wish for. He wished for this fight, and this is what he is going to get.

Question: Were you surprised when Roy Jones, Jr. said he wanted to fight you?

Lewis: I was a bit surprised, but Jones is a remarkable boxer with tremendous talent. He believes he is the best heavyweight on the planet right now. When he went through a little rating system, he put me third, himself first and Holyfield second.
If he wants to be a true heavyweight, forget about Holyfield. Ruiz beat Holyfield and then Jones beat Ruiz easily. Why waste time and go with Holyfield? If he wants to be a true heavyweight, come to me. I am the king.

Question: Emanuel, is there something you see in Klitschko that makes you confident?

Steward: There will be so many things that will be solved with this fight. There are the lawsuits and all the emotions. As soon as the fight with Johnson was over, we would have had to go back into negotiations for the Klitschko fight. It was hard to get excited about the Johnson fight because of all of the problems with Klitschko. Even though Johnson has had a tremendous amount of fights on television, people do not seem to remember him. The interest was not there.

People really want to see Lewis fight Klitschko. It was hard to stay focused on a fight where there was a no-win situation. Now, we have a fight we are excited about because Klitschko is a big guy who said he is going to knock Lewis out. Even though Klitschko may not have the experience of a lot of other fighters, when you get hit on the chin by a 250-pound-man, especially a guy 6’8”, experience does not mean anything. I am more excited about fighting this guy then I was fighting Johnson.

Question: Does the fact that Klitschko will be right in your face add to your confidence?

Lewis: Like I said, Klitschko has not been what I have been through. I am a true professional. I am a seasoned professional, and the fact that I am in great shape adds to that. I know what to do under certain conditions. Once again, Klitschko has not seen a boxer like Lennox Lewis. Who out there can he box against that has my style, my power and my ability?

Question: How important is it that you had a significant layoff before this fight?

Lewis: This fight really came about at the right time. Before the Tyson fight, I had two fights with Hasim Rahman. One I lost in Africa, and then I had a good training camp and busted him over here. I had a good training camp and took care of Tyson. I earned a well-needed rest. After a year layoff, I still came back feeling good, and it felt natural.

Question: Emanuel, by getting this fight over with, does it bring about a fight with Jones Jr. more quickly?

Steward: If Jones stands up to the plate and does what he has indicated, it looks very realistic for Nov. 15. If not, there always is going to be someone out there for Lewis to fight. I think Jones is a very good possibility, but I want to get Klitschko out of the way.

Question: Are either Tyson or Sanders possible opponents for you down the road?

Lewis: (Silence)…. I think you have your answer.

Steward: Tyson does not want to fight, so how can you fight someone that does not want to fight? We have gone to court to force Tyson to fight. Sanders is not really established as a fighter. His only claim to fame is beating (Wladimir) Klitschko. If the public demands it, maybe we will fight Sanders, but right now, Lewis is focused on fighting only top notch, quality opponents. I do not think Sanders is exciting right now.

Question: Has Johnson lost his opportunity to fight you?

Lewis: Yes.

Question: Do you feel Henry Akinwande gave you any preparation for Klitschko?

Lewis: When I boxed him, he taught me how to do the waltz. I do not think people want to watch me learn that dance step.

Question: How you considered fighting Chris Byrd?

Lewis: You cannot put a lion in there with a bird.

Question: Have you ever taken a fight on this short notice?

Lewis: In my younger days, I took fights on this short of notice. I cannot remember which fights. Because I had an extensive amateur career, it happened that opponents showed up at the last minute. I have to go in there and adapt. This is a different situation. I am a great professional now, and I have learned to adapt and do the things to make fights happen.

Question: Emanuel, how do you tailor your sparring partners to prepare for Klitschko?

Steward: We are going to go with what we have. Lewis has natural talent and experience, and is more effective with taller guys than shorter guys. He has been facing class “A” fighters all of his life. Lennox is a class above what Klitschko is used to. Everything has been favoring Lewis. Emotionally, Klitschko is not going to be as confident as Lewis. I think if Lewis comes out and makes it a tough, physical fight, the fight will not go over five rounds.

Question: Did you learn anything from watching Klitschko in the Byrd fight?

Lewis: Yes, when the tough get going, Klitschko will not be able to take my kind of pressure.

Question: Is Klitschko going to be another bum of the month?

Lewis: No, he is not really a bum of the month. Guys like that are mandatory fights, or guys the public wants me to fight. That is the situation.

Question: What is your opinion of the heavyweight division right now?

Lewis: I could be around for a long time if I choose.

Question: Do you have any fear of looking past this fight?

Lewis: No. I am focused on the fight at hand, just like I was focused on the Johnson fight.

Question: Emanuel, how do you view Klitschko?

Steward: Klitschko is a technical fighter. He has a good jab and fights well for a fighter his size. A lot of guys who are tall bend down to fight, but he stands straight up. He has a good overhand right and is a good fundamental fighter. He is also used to having tall sparring partners, since he sparred with his brother.

Question: How do you feel about fighting in Los Angeles?

Steward: This is a fantastic opportunity. We are excited about it. We have been in Los Angeles on many different occasions and really enjoy it. Being there is different than being in Las Vegas or somewhere else. Celebrities will come out to see the fight, and there is international interest. It is a true heavyweight championship fight and people can come out to see one of the last fights of Lewis’ career.

Question: Both you and Vitali thought you were going to fight in November. Is there a psychological advantage in fighting now for either fighter?

Lewis: I think it is an advantage for me because I am always ready to fight. This came all of a sudden, and he did not expect to fight me.

Question: How much longer would you like to fight?

Lewis: Let me get over this one. I could probably get a Roy Jones fight after this year. Jones said he is a heavyweight. Let him prove it. I think it would be intriguing to the fans and to Jones because he believes he can beat me.

Question: Emanuel, do you think this is going to be a quick fight?

Steward: When Lewis fights physically big guys, who he is threatened by, he is a very aggressive predator. He changes completely like he did against Akinwande, (Andrew) Golota and (Michael) Grant. When Lewis comes out and throwing big punches early, somebody goes down. Lewis is a very accurate puncher, especially for a big man. I do not think Klitschko is a fast enough boxer to dance around the ring, so he is going to have to get involved. I think the fight is going to be over early.

Question: Are you positive Johnson suffered an injury?

Steward: I 100 percent believe Johnson has an injury. Opportunities like this come along very rarely. By him forfeiting this opportunity, he may have forfeited his opportunity to ever fight for the heavyweight championship. I am quite sure he is injured.