Boxing: Ruddock runs the rule over Lewis
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LENNOX LEWIS takes another step along the road towards the world heavyweight title tonight when he meets Mike Dixon, of the United States, in Atlantic City. Two interested spectators at Harrah's Marina will be Riddick Bowe and Razor Ruddock, Lewis's Canadian former compatriot.
Lewis, assuming he wins tonight, as he is expected to, will meet Ruddock in London on 31 October, and the winner of that fight will challenge Evander Holyfield for the world title, unless Holyfield is unseated by Bowe on 13 November. In that case a repeat of the 1988 Olympic heavyweight final is in prospect, with Bowe no doubt anxious for revenge over Lewis, who won gold fighting then for Canada before his move back to Britain.
Dixon, 27, has a professional record of 10 wins, all inside the distance, and five defeats, all on points. He said yesterday: 'I feel Lennox has the ability to beat Holyfield, but he has to get past me first - and if he does, I'm sure he will win the world title. Because of that this is my most important fight. I can cause an upset which would mean I will be able to start my career afresh.'
But Bowe's manager, Rock Neuman, discounts the possibility of an upset: 'Dixon is no calibre, no threat,' he said. 'Lennox is just looking to get a few rounds under his belt before fighting Ruddock.'
Lewis himself said of his illustrious observers: 'I'm glad they're coming to watch me in action. They need to see what I've got. It's vital that they do. It's very important that I look good in this one. I want to impress everybody and get people to believe that I have got what it takes to be the world champion.'
Ruddock said: 'Lennox used to be a pretty good boxer when he was a youngster in Canada, so I decided not to miss out on this chance to see what he's got - to see for myself if he has changed at all.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments