Boxing: Steward hails 'loyal' Lewis
Emanuel Steward says the impact of the recent confusion in Lennox Lewis’ backroom staff must be put into perspective, branding the former world heavyweight champion ‘‘the most loyal boxer I have ever dealt with’’.
Lewis came in for much criticism after his recent sacking of Frank Maloney, with whom he had worked closely since turning professional 11 years ago.
Maloney’s departure followed that of promoter Panos Eliades, who was axed before Lewis’ London fight with Frans Botha in July last year, and even Lewis’ own brother, Dennis.
Both Maloney and Eliades, now bitter rivals, joined together to claim they had created a ‘‘monster’’.
Maloney’s acrimonious exit, coming so close to Lewis’ Las Vegas rematch with Hasim Rahman on Saturday night, suggested all might not be well behind the scenes as the 36-year-old tried to come to terms with his shocking fifth round knockout in April.
But Lewis’ American trainer Steward denied the events had hampered his man’s preparation and added he had no reason to fear the axe was going to fall on own his neck in the months after South Africa.
‘‘Any other fighter I’ve been with in recent years I would have expected that (the sack), but Lennox is unusual in a lot of respects,’’ said Steward.
‘‘Lennox does not like to change people. He is probably the most loyal boxer I have ever dealt with, to the point where even if some people are incompetent he will just hold on until there is no other way out.
‘‘Lennox is extremely loyal and I have never expected it (the sack) from him. Any other person I would have, but I knew it would not be a factor.’’
Lewis has kept a low profile in the Mandalay Bay hotel where Saturday’s fight takes place, preferring to work out in private behind tight security in complete contrast to Rahman, who has often been sighted sauntering around the gigantic complex.
But Steward said Lewis has nothing to hide and carries no psychological scars from his recent defeat.
‘‘Years back Ali would lose, or Robinson would lose, and they would go back up the mountain and start to get back in shape.
‘‘That was the thing to do to go and get your title back.
‘‘Today the trend is to fire the trainers. But this shows the character Lennox has, and I believe the same character will come through in this fight also.
‘‘He is much stronger about the situation than anybody else in the camp. He said ‘let’s just go and get the title back’.
‘‘No use us labouring over this and crying. He’s had a good attitude which has been very encouraging for me.’’
