Lennox Lewis will face a challenger with proven experience at world level in South Africa's Frans Botha on the champion's overdue `homecoming' at the London Arena on July 15. `White Buffalo' Botha previously held the IBF crown now held by Lewis. Botha also gave Mike Tyson plenty of problems 16 months ago before running into a right-hand that ended his challenge.
Lewis' opponent on Saturday night, Michael Grant, was clearly out of his depth, and was outclassed and outpowered by Lewis, though the 6ft 7in giant showed heart and commitment in what rapidly became a painfully lost cause. Grant, 27, and rated as the best available challenger, was dispatched by the Lewis with seven seconds remaining of round two at Madison Square Garden - and sadly highlighted the current lack of quality contenders in the heavy-weight division.
The challenger's size and youth were reckoned to be the tools which could unsettle Lewis, but it counted for nothing as Lewis' strength, experience and know-how made it a relatively easy night’s work for him. (PA)
