LAS VEGAS–Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has confirmed that indeed Philippine boxing is on the upswing and has expressed admiration on the new brand of fighting style put forth by Filipino fighters seeing action in the United States.
Lewis was at special ringside when Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista and AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal won their respective bouts as an HBO analyst of the recent ‘The World Awaits’ card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In an exclusive interview at the Studio Cafe of the MGM Grand Resort and Casino, Lewis singled out Bautista and Banal for their styles.
“Philippine boxing is really up these days. I’m really enamored by these Filipino fighters. They are different. And they have this different style,” Lewis told this writer after breakfast with his wife Violet Chang-Lewis and the couple’s male friend.
Lewis then went on to mimic the defensive syles of both Bautista and Banal, and threw punches in the air to show he was still in awe of the two fighters’ performances.
“Filipino boxers are different from African, Latino and other boxers. They are really great, and they are successful,” Lewis added.
Lewis has been rumored to be planning a comeback bid and face one of the Klitschko brothers, but although physically he looks like it, he continues to be mum on comeback plans and has indicated he is enjoying his role as a husband and father.
Experts consider Lewis as ‘the last true heavyweight champion,’ who is a lock for a Hall-of-Fame award and a top 10 slot as one of the greatest heavyweights of all times.
