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King laughs over decision
When asked about the stench of the judging in the Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield heavyweight unification bout last night, King started laughing.
He loudly chuckled at the charges that the judges' decision conveniently allowed the controversial shock-haired boxing promoter to hang on to his champion, Holyfield.
"I would be second-guessing the judges," King said when asked if the draw decision was the right call.
The whole affair smelled funny because the scorecard of IBF judge Eugenia Williams of New Jersey allowed Holyfield to retain his WBA and IBF titles.
Williams had the bout scored 115-113 for Holyfield. WBC judge Larry O'Connell scored the fight 115-115 and WBA judge Stanley Christodolou had Lewis winning 116-113.
"I'm still happy because the whole word saw it," Lewis said. "I knew there would be some funny business. It was a Don King production."
Williams' scorecard had Holyfield winning Rounds 4 and 5, while the other two judges had Lewis winning those two rounds. O'Connell had Holyfield winning the sixth round, whereas the other two judges had Lewis winning it.
"It's different strokes for different folks," King said.
Lewis was distraught at the decision. He left ring quickly after ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. read the judges' scorecards.
He slammed his dressing room door and plopped himself on the training table.
Following the surprise decision, there were immediate calls for a rematch. Lewis' manager, Frank Maloney, wants Lewis-Holyfield II to be fought in London, England.
Lewis concurred.
"I believe there should be an automatic rematch," Lewis, 33, said. "I doubt (Holyfield) will want one. He looked like an old man."
Holyfield, 36, didn't appear as excited, but agreed to meet Lewis again.
"There is always a next time," Holyfield said. "Six months ain't no problem with me.
"I guess I did the best I could. But it wasn't my best performance."