27.09.06 – British fight legend Lennox Lewis will be ringside for Joe Calzaghe?s WBO/IBF World Super-Middleweight title defence against Sakio Bika on Saturday 14th October at the M.E.N Arena. The Former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion now works as an expert commentator for US TV giants HBO on their Boxing After Dark series on which Calzaghe makes his debut. Lewis retired as the reigning champion after defeating Vitali Klitschko and secured his legacy by becoming one of only three boxers, alongside Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, to regain the heavyweight title three times.
Unbeaten Welshman Calzaghe is setting up his own legacy as one of the greatest boxers to come out of Britain with his record 19 WBO World title defences since beating Chris Eubank in 1997, making him the longest reigning British world champion ever.
He is also currently the longest reigning world champion in the sport with a perfect record of 41 wins with no losses and will be recognised by the Ring Magazine as their Champion ? following the tremendous performance he put on against Jeff Lacy in March – when he is presented the prestigious belt on fight week.
Calzaghe will also hear for the first time the famous phrase ?Let?s Get Ready To Rumble? as world renowkn MC Michael Buffer will also make the transatlantic trip to be in Manchester.
Buffer has announced the biggest world championship boxing events over the last 20 years and his appearance at the show will delight fight fans.
“It’s fantastic news that Lennox Lewis will be ringside,” said Calzaghe. “He’s one of the greats and it will give me a boost knowing that he’ll be watching my fight.
“What Lennox acheived in the ring is a real inspiration to all British fighters and helps drive me on.
“And I’ll be sure to get a shiver down my spine when I hear those immortal words ‘Lets Get Ready To Rumble’.
“I’m determined to put on one of my best ever displays against Bika as I’m making my debut on HBO. I don’t think American fight fans are going to be disappointed.”