Preview of Lennox Lewis-Frans Botha Bout

L O N D O N, July 15 -- — Lennox Lewis can be as cautious picking hisopponents as he is in fighting them. It’s a combination that so farhas kept him from being acclaimed as one of the best heavyweightsof his time.

That’s not likely to change tonight when Lewis defendshis WBC and IBF heavyweight titles against Francois Botha at theLondon Arena. But trainer Emanuel Steward believes Lewis could earnhis place among heavyweight greats if he can cap his career with afew great fights.

“Lennox has not done enough to earn himself a place with theall-time greats,” Steward candidly said. “If he decides to fightfor the next two years and is continually impressive, then Ibelieve he would be considered as one of the great heavyweights.But he has not earned that right yet.”

Steward, like many in boxing, would like Lewis to step up withsome impressive performances in big fights to mark his spot in thesport.

Safe Fighting Style

But at the age of 34, Lewis has shown consistently throughouthis career that he wants to win without taking chances, either inpicking an opponent or in the ring itself.

After demolishing Michael Grant to defend his titles on April 30,Lewis chose Botha, a fringe contender, for his first title fight inEngland since losing the WBC title on a knockout by Oliver McCallin 1994.

Lewis is a heavy favorite to retain his two portions of thetitle, but beating Botha will do little to get Lewis the respect hecraves. That may come only after he meets David Tua later this yearor possibly Mike Tyson in the future.

Future Bout With Tyson?

“I can’t wait for this fight to be over with so I can reallyanswer some good questions about Tyson,” Lewis said. “He needs to stop talking about my kids, how he wants to eat me, and let’s stepinto the ring.”

Whether Lewis and Tyson ever meet in the ring is as questionableas ever. Lewis has a mandatory IBF title defense against Tua laterthis year, and the two heavyweights fight under contract forcompeting American networks.