Unbeaten Michael Grant has predicted a 10th-round stoppage win over world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in their title showdown on Saturday, vowing to pressure the British star until he cracks. “He doesn't like pressure”, said Grant, “He tends to slow down in later rounds. I come on strong. My job is to go out there and impose my will on him.
"In the past, Lewis was accustomed to fighting at his own speed. You have to jump on top early and make him fight and I'm the right size to do that. You have got to believe. I'm prepared to go the distance. I trained myself to go the full 12 rounds and I'm ready to go the full 12 rounds.”
When asked how long he expected the fight to last, the American replied: “The 10th round looks pretty good to me.”
Both men are tall and muscular, which could lead to a high-powered battle at Madison Square Garden. But both have been reluctant to resort to brawling, preferring a tactical approach. That's why Lewis expects a fast flurry from the former sparring partner of ex-champion Evander Holyfield. “I expect him to come out to show how good he is” Lewis said. “He hasn't made any of his fights a brawl. Why try that against the champion?”
