Famed promoter Don King has offered 1,575 million Baht to lure British former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis out of retirement to box in a rematch with Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian just reclaimed his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday after a four-year absence when he defeated Samuel Peter of Nigeria in a match in Berlin. Peter refused to come out from the corner in the ninth round.

Lewis has retired from professional boxing in February 2004. His last bout was in June 2003 when he beat Klitschoko by a technical knockout. The bout was ended in the sixth round when Klitschoko was wounded above his left eye despite his control of the game and leading scores.

King has offered 25 million Pounds (1,575 million Baht) to Lewis, 43, for a rematch with Klitschko, said British newspaper The Sun.

Although the WBC requires that the new heavyweight champion must defend his title against top contender Juan Carlos Gomez of Cuba within 90 days, Klitschko reportedly may also fight with Nikolai Valuev who became a WBA champion on August.

News: Siamsport