Boxing: Lewis eyes the route to respect

LENNOX LEWIS yesterday focused on the three men standing between him and the respect he craves as the world heavyweight champion.

Lewis, 29, has defended the World Boxing Council title three times since a second- round win over Razor Ruddock opened the door two years ago. He is favourite to prolong that record against Oliver McCall at Wembley Arena in the early hours of Sunday morning. However, Lewis knows that the United States still does not regard him as the genuine article.

Lewis sees Riddick Bowe, the boxer he beat in the 1988 Olympic super-heavyweight final, in Seoul, as a prize target. They are scheduled to meet next Spring. Michael Moorer, who took the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles from Bowe's conqueror, Evander Holyfield, is an obstacle in his attempt to unify the division.

The third name is Mike Tyson, the former champion who could be released from prison early next year. 'Those three fights would give me satisfaction,' Lewis said.