By John F. McKenna (McJack): In a recent interview Lennox Lewis had a lot of good things to say about Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 39 KO’s) Boxing fans pay attention to what Lewis says. He is the first Brit to hold the Heavyweight Title in over 100 years. Lennox feels that David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) has a better chance against his July 2 opponent Vladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) than he would against Vitali. Lewis was quoted as saying “This is definitely the era of the Klitschko’s” but that he feels Vitali is the better of the two.

Lennox was behind on the score cards when he faced Vitali eight years ago in Los Angeles. The fight was stopped by the referee much to the chagrin of Klitschko, because of the horrendous cuts Lewis had opened around his eyes. Vitali won over many fans who had never seen him fight before because of his performance against Lennox. Lewis retired shortly after his encounter with Klitschko. Both fighters have a healthy respect for each others ability. Vitali has said on numerous occasions that Lennox was the best and the strongest fighter he ever faced. Lewis was quoted as saying that the Klitschko bout was “The hardest fight against the strongest opponent and the hardest puncher I ever faced.”

Lennox went on to say that “The way Vitali has come back from his own retirement is phenomenal. At almost 40 he has tremendous drive, determination and ambition. I am past my prime now and just want to go on and do other things but he is still craving the kind of challenge we presented to each other.”

Lewis further stated that “Vitali is still the best out there and still the most awkward to hit. Still punches the hardest. Still uses his size and reach to great advantage. Still knows how to keep you off balance. Still wins pretty much every round in every fight. Klitschko does not get all the credit he deserves.” Those quotes are all from Lennox Lewis so they should carry a little bit of weight, particularly in the British Isles.

Klitschko credits his longevity to living healthy and fighting every fight as if it is his last.
After his fight with Shannon Briggs last October Vitali said that he felt like he could have gone twenty five rounds. Above all he does not listen to his detractors who are hoping that he will suddenly grow old in one of his fights proving that they were right all along.

In his most recent fight against Odlanier Solis Klitschko was credited with a one round TKO. No matter what Solis’s fans thought, the punch to the top of his head did knock him off balance causing him to fall and it goes into the record books as another KO for Klitschko. Vitali did appear a little embarrassed before his German fans at the post fight interview. He would have liked to have given them a competitive fight.

When Vitali fought Albert Sosnowski in May of 2010 it appeared as though he could have ended things whenever he chose to. He gave his fans a show and ended it in his typical late round stoppage. In September Klitschko will be facing Tomasz Adamek (45-1, 28 KO’s). Adamek has a reputation for having an exceptionally sturdy chin. Tomasz at 6’2” and 220 lbs has tremendous heart. He was not given much of a chance against Chris Arreola but he pulled out a convincing win. When he fights Vitali Klitschko who is 6’7” and weights 250 lbs Klitschko will be by far the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. He will enjoy the support of his countrymen. One thing is certain. Adamek, who has tons of pride will either win or go out on his shield in the attempt.