Open Workout Quotes: LENNOX LEWIS

29.05 - World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis returns to the ring Saturday June 21, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles to defend his crown against Kirk Johnson. It has been nearly one year since Lewis solidified his standing as boxing’s premier heavyweight by knocking out Mike Tyson in the eighth round of their showdown in Memphis. Now in his first defense since putting the stamp on his legacy, Lewis takes on an intriguing challenge from the world-ranked Johnson, the Nova Scotia native, who has designs on springing an upset. In the co-feature, former World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight champion Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko will continue his quest for a shot at the world heavyweight crown when he takes on undefeated Cedric “The Boss” Boswell. The event, presented by Lion Promotions, in association with Prize Fight Promotions, Duva Boxing and STAPLES Center, will be telecast live on HBO.

Los Angeles last played host to a world heavyweight title fight 44 years ago when Floyd Patterson defended his world crown for the third time with a 13th-round TKO over Roy Harris on Aug. 18, 1958, at the old Wrigley Field. Tickets for the event are $950, $700, $450, $350, $250, $150 and $75, and are on sale at the STAPLES Center box office and through all TicketMaster locations.

LENNOX LEWIS

“Styles make fights. Chris Byrd against Lennox Lewis would be boring. But a fighter who is scary and has high intensity shots like Kirk Johnson is what the crowd wants. Johnson makes for a good fight. He brings power, youth and speed. When Kirk Johnson fights, he impresses you and excites you.”

“My main goal was to win all the belts, and I have done that. After you win all these belts, you cannot fight all these mandatory guys. You can just fight one man at a time. So, I gave my belts out to others to give them a chance.”

“Now I am the linear champion. It saves me a lot of money, and there are a lot less head headaches because I do not have to deal with all the sanctioning groups.”

“Muhammad Ali is my hero. I put myself up there with him. One year after I fight Tyson, and I am already considered a legend on HBO’s Legendary Fights.”

“Los Angeles is a big event city, and this is a big event. Fans can bring their families and friends instead of going to Las Vegas. I am very excited to be fighting in Los Angeles. This is going to be one great show.”

“My prediction is Lennox Lewis will still be champion after I fight Kirk Johnson June 21 in Los Angeles.