Let the (head) games begin

Dean Juipe

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000 | 10:29 a.m.

Boxing is a sport that accentuates physical contact, yet long before they get into the ring the participants are open to a little gamesmanship.

And that's what Lennox Lewis and David Tua were practicing Monday at Mandalay Bay as their Nov. 11 heavyweight title fight was formally introduced to a small crowd of media and several dozen casual fans who were welcomed into the hotel's exquisite theater.

Tua delivered the opening salvo, presenting Lewis with what appeared to be an attractive lei.

Lewis graciously accepted and returned Tua's momentary hug as well, yet there was more than what initially met the eye -- as Tua explained upon returning to his seat at the dais.

"That was no peace offering," he said. "It's a declaration of war."

And the lei was a lie, made, as it was, of red peppers.

Moments later, Lewis countered.

"David," he said, looking toward Tua, whose head was bowed at the time as Lewis stood before the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation belts that were on display in front of them. "David," he repeated, as Tua brought his gaze upward, "I've worked too hard for these belts.

"This fight is going to be good, but you can't have them."

In accordance with the promotion's general theme, Tua was cordial if not condescending as Lewis looked down on him. Rather than rise and confront the champion, a meek expression overtook his face.

But, rest assured, these guys will come out fighting when the bell rings before what is expected to be a full house in the hotel's Events Center and a respectable pay-per-view audience as well.

"I can't see this being anything but an explosive fight," said Lewis' trainer, Emanuel Steward. "That's what makes this fight intriguing. You'll have two fighters in the ring who are explosive punchers and both of whom are coming off a series of devastating knockouts.

"It'll have to be exciting."

Lewis will hold noticeable height and reach advantages, although each man will weigh around 240 pounds.

Lewis is 37-1-1 with 29 knockouts and hasn't lost since Oliver McCall surprised him in 1994.

Tua is 37-1 with 32 knockouts and has won 10 straight fights since a decision loss to Ike Ibeabuchi in 1997.

Lewis is a minus 350 betting favorite in the Mandalay Bay sports book, with Tua a plus 250 underdog.

"Lennox wants to clean out the heavyweight division," said his promoter, Gary Shaw. "There isn't any doubt that these are the two most important men in the heavyweight division right now."

Steward feels Lewis will retain his championship status not only beyond the fight with Tua, but well afterward.

"I don't think anybody in the next four or five years, if Lennox chooses to fight that long, can beat him," he said. "He's the most talented heavyweight I ever saw."

But Tua has more than a sporting chance, as his roll call of KOs signifies.

"But who has he been fighting?" Lewis offered. "I've been fighting top-flight guys. Tua has never seen a boxer like Lennox Lewis. He's never boxed anybody my size and as strong as me.

"I take on all comers."

Yet it took him three years to get around to Tua, who has been the mandatory challenger in waiting for quite some time.

"Lennox has cleaned out the heavyweight division," Tua's promoter, Dan Goossen, agreed, "except there was always one piece of the puzzle he wasn't anxious to chew off, and that was to face David. Now we'll see who's the real heavyweight champion of the world."

Tua's manager, Kevin Barry, is certain it'll be his man.

"We've seen the best of Lennox Lewis, but we haven't seen the best of David Tua yet," he said. "It's not hard to see why he didn't want to fight Tua."

Barry went on to cite four supporting arguments on his claim that Tua will prevail.

"One-punch knockout power," he opened. "Tua is the only fighter in the division who maintains his power throughout a fight.

"Durability. This guy has never been hurt and undoubtedly has the best chin in boxing.

"Stamina. This guy can go all day.

"And mental toughness. He is afraid of no man."

Beyond the choreographed entrances and histrionics that marked the press conference, Tua was his usual easygoing self.

"While other guys have been pushed ahead of me, I've waited patiently," he said of finally getting a shot at the title. "I've earned the right to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world."

Overhearing the remark, Lewis nodded in agreement. No amount of gamesmanship could cloud the fact that the time, and the finances, are right for this long-awaited showdown.

Tickets for the card will go on sale Saturday and are priced from $50 to $1,000. The pay-per-view fee will be $45.