Boxing: Lennox won't be making a return.

Byline: By Ted Tracey

LENNOX LEWIS yesterday denied a claim that he is to return to the ring, insisting there will be no comeback.

A Sunday newspaper report claimed the former heavyweight champion had been tempted out of retirement by a pounds 21million purse for a second showdown with Vitali Klitschko.

When the pair met in June 2003 Lewis emerged a controversial winner with a bloodied Klitschko losing in six rounds on cuts.

The Ukrainian was ahead on points at the time and was outraged by the referee's decision to stop the fight.

A return against Klitschko would be just the tonic the ailing heavyweight division needs but Lewis insists he won't return.

He said: 'I'd like to address the stories circulating in the press regarding my return.

'I want to reiterate what I said when I retired in February 2004 - that I was fortunate to leave the sport on my own terms and that I will be one of the few heavyweight champions in history to retire on top and stay retired.

'I boxed professionally for many years and there will always be an attraction to the sport - but I'm not returning to the ring.'