Lewis, Klitschko to fight for WBC heavyweight crown
The Associated Press
HAMBURG, Germany (November 29, 2002 11:46 a.m. EST) - Lennox Lewis is set to defend his WBC title against Vitaly Klitschko, with the bout expected to take place in late February or early March.
Lewis' manager, Adrian Ogun, said Friday that the site and exact date will be set as soon as possible.
Klitschko, a Ukrainian who trains in Hamburg, is ranked No. 2 by the WBC. He positioned himself for the bout with a knockout of Larry Donald on Saturday.
Ogun said promoters will meet in the next few days with representatives from HBO, which will broadcast the fight, to complete arrangements.
Klitschko, 32-1 with 31 knockouts, is a former WBO champion. He is the older brother of Wladimir Klitschko, also a top heavyweight.
"Lennox has been interested in the Klitschkos since they met two years ago during filming of 'Ocean's Eleven,'" Ogun said. "He likes both of them and still loves the challenge."
Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko squared off for the movie in a mock bout during scenes shot at a Las Vegas casino.
Lewis, a 37-year-old Briton, is widely acknowledged as the world's heavyweight champion, although he has given up several of his titles.
Klitschko is 6-foot-8 and is known for his punching power. He had been sidelined for nine months with a back injury, but made a successful return with his 10th-round knockout of Donald.
"If Klitschko had lost, we wouldn't be sitting here now," Ogun said.
Klitschko and his younger brother are popular in Ukraine and Germany. The brothers have cultivated an image of being gentlemen and have earned doctorates from a university in Ukraine.