Warren: Lennox should stay retired

Leading promoter Frank Warren has urged former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis to resist the temptation to make a comeback at the age of 41.

According to reports, Lewis is back in training and in discussions with Vitali Klitschko – whom he beat in his last fight in 2003 before announcing his retirement.

Klitschko recently announced his own return to the ring after recovering from a knee injury, and is in line for an immediate title shot against reigning WBC champion Oleg Maskaev.

American promoter Bob Arum told the Daily Mail: “Lennox has been discussing the prospect of a one-off, world title rematch with Vitali Klitschko. I am told Lennox is back in the gym. This is an enormous fight in the making.”

But Warren insists Lewis would be better served by protecting his historic position as one of only three men – alongside greats Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano – to retire with his title belt intact.

Warren said: “I don’t think Lennox should come back. He has gone out on a high, he is very wealthy, and boxing is full of stories of guys who have made a comeback and ruined their legacy.

“Of course if he did come back it would be a big fight. People have been talking about it since Klitschko announced his comeback.

“But I would definitely prefer it for Lennox’s sake if he stayed away.”

Warren said he had had no contact with representatives of Lewis regarding a possible comeback.

He added: “It would be a great fight for the new Wembley. But I think it would more than likely happen in the United States.”