Lewis: St Clair Can Beat Khan

Legendary Aussie trainer Johnny Lewis says that Gairy St Clair is as good as anyone he has ever worked with before. Veteran Lewis helped guide greats like Kostya Tszyu and Jeff Fenech to world titles, and has worked with a host of other leading Australia-based fighters. Along with experienced Angelo Hyder, he will be in St Clair’s corner on Saturday night when he challenges Amir Khan for the Commonwealth lightweight title at London’s ExCel Arena..

” Gairy is right up there with the best,” said Lewis of the 32-year-old former world champion. “I have got a great rapport with him, and I love training him.

” He’s a trainer’s dream. He is respectful to everybody, very professional, he knows boxing from A-Z, and that’s what Amir Khan is up against on Saturday night.

” Gairy has also sparred with the likes of Kostya Tsyzu and Zab Judah, and if he hasn’t sparred with them then he’s fought them.

” Gairy brings a lot of things to the table. Everything has been good in training camp, and I can tell you he’s really enjoyed making the lightweight limit because it was a struggle to get to super-featherweight. I think he’s going to surprise a few people.”

Lewis’ last trip to the UK was with Kostya Tyszu in 2005, and on that night the IBF light-welterweight champion lost to Ricky Hatton at the MEN Arena.

But Lewis is backing St Clair to get some revenge.

” I’ve been to the UK a few times and had mixed fortunes, so I reckon I’m due a change of luck,” said Lewis. “Amir Khan is a good kid and when he finally packs it in I’m sure he’ll be one of the best fighters this country has ever produced, but this is a fight we think we can win.”

With the fight set to go on in front of a packed ExCel Arena, and millions watching live on ITV1, Lewis promised that the real winners would be the fans on Saturday night.

” St Clair comes to fight, and I don’t think anyone will be leaving disappointed on Saturday,” he added.

A quality packed fight also sees Michael Jennings defend his WBU World Welterweight title against Ross Minter.