Michael Grants Lewis best8217; title

Lewis rose to 36-1 with one drawn after his 28th knock-out. He used several devastating uppercuts to flatten Grant, overhead hooks to break out of clinches and took advantage of Grant8217;s inexperience to set him up for hard punches.

8220;I8217;m very satisfied,8221; said Emanuel Steward, Lewis8217; trainer. 8220;He did what I always knew he could do. I think Lennox likes the adulation that goes with the knock-out. I can see him fighting at this level for another three, four years.8221;

After two tedious tactical fights with Evander Holyfield and a lackluster 12-round triumph by decision in his past three outings, Lewis was anxious to prove he could be an exciting fighter. Mission accomplished.

8220;Michael Grant was the perfect showcase for my talent,8221; Lewis said. 8220;This was an opportunity to show my aggressive side. I felt if I had the opportunity to land a good shot, not many people can withstand my power.8221;

8220;I realised if I kept punching, he was going to be hurting. All I had to do was keep hitting him. If he dared get up against me, I would just hit him more and more. It was just going to be harder and harder for him.8221;

A high hook to Grant8217;s head produced the first knock down. Uppercuts produced two more. By the time a solid right to the chin sent Grant down for the final time, he realised Lewis had lured him into traps.

8220;Lennox showed me openings. I wanted to take advantage of them and knock his head off,8221; Grant said. 8220;He knew I would open up and he would be able to take a step back and take advantage.

8220;I took the wrong mentality into it. I should have used more of my speed and not take it as a grudge match from the door. I was just too anxious. He was swinging wide left hands because he knew I would come at him. He8217;s a smart fighter. He dropped his hands and said, Take my head off.8217; I tried and he got me. I just got caught. Lennox is champion for a reason. He8217;s the best.8221;

Both Lewis and Steward blamed the struggles against Holyfield on the former champion trying to avoid being on the receiving end of Lewis8217; right hand. In some ways, beating Holyfield8217;s friend and former sparring partner proved more of a career-defining triumph than the victory last November over Holyfield that ended his 12-year quest to become unified heavyweight champion.

8220;The two fights with Evander were just one step, one step to greatness,8221; Lewis said. 8220;I like to compare myself to fine wine. I get better with age.8221;