But Lewis’ former manager Maloney insisted Klitschko should spend more time looking to the future and saving a division whose standards have been in freefall.

Maloney said: “Klitschko is a man who was handed the title when Lennox retired so instead of calling him a coward he should be on his knees thanking him.

“Klitschko has spent so much time calling on Lennox that it proves how poor his pulling power is, concentrating on a man who has already given him a beating.

“For 12 years while he dominated the division, people said Lennox Lewis couldn’t draw fans and wasn’t a household name.

“Now he has decided to go into history as undefeated champion alongside Rocky Marciano and Gene Tunney, the current champion who is unknown outside his own country wants the fight.”

Maloney often criticised Lewis in the later stages of his career following the pair’s acrimonious split.

But Maloney insists Lewis has made a fine decision by apparently electing to stay retired, and believes Klitschko is now more deserving of his wrath.

“I believe Lennox has made the right decision and he will not come out of retirement because his legacy and his place in heavyweight history means more to him than a few more dollars.”

Top of Maloney’s list of prospective future opponents for Klitschko is Bedford’s unbeaten Matt Skelton, who challenges for the WBU title later this month and whom Maloney manages.

Maloney added: “I believe there are a lot of heavyweights out there who Klitschko may be afraid to fight and if he wants to fight another Englishman he should look no further than Matt Skelton.

“I’m not saying Skelton is the greatest thing since sliced bread but I believe he has the style to upset Klitschko and cause him a lot of problems.”