The Sun is reporting that Don King is planning on offering former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis £25 million (about $43 million) to come out of retirement to fight Vitali Klitschko, who is now once again the WBC title holder.

Klitschko and Lewis fought in June 2003 in an epic six-round slugfest. Klitschko was ahead on all cards when a massive cut over his left eye forced the doctor and referee to stop the fight. Lewis retired after the fight as the champion and currently works for HBO broadcasting fights, among other interests.

Lewis has maintained since he retired that he has often thought of coming back to fight, but always convinces himself that his legacy is too important to risk at this point. I have nothing but respect for Lewis, but £25 million is a lot of money. If Lewis were to come back now, five years removed from the ring (likely closer to six by the time a fight would happen) and lose, I don’t know anyone who would take anything away from his legacy. If he were to win, he cements it even more.

For years, I was against this fight happening because it wouldn’t have been a legitimate rematch. Now, it’s so far past the point where it’s a real heavyweight championship that I’m actually kind of interested. If Lewis could get himself into fighting shape — and that’s a big if — I’d be willing to watch this. Sure Vitali is now 37 and Lewis is going on 43, but it is nevertheless and intriguing fight.

Seeing how Klitschko came off of a four year layoff to embarrass Sam Peter, it’s not out of the question that Lewis could come back and be one of the three best heavyweights in the world.

The question is: how secure is his legacy? This could in fact be a win-win situation for Lewis. He wins and he reaffirms his all-time great status and makes £25 million, or he loses and no one takes anything away from what he accomplished as an active fighter and he makes £25 million. This is the first time in four years that I believe that Lewis would consider an offer.

I would put the chances of this fight happening at around 5-10 percent, but money speaks a lot louder than the fans. No matter who is saying that the fight should or shouldn’t happen, if the price is right, anyone will listen. As the universal boxing motto goes: if it makes money, it makes sense.

Hell, if people will pay to watch Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya, they’ll be interested to watch the two best heavyweights of the last decade meet once again to finish their unfinished business.

I doubt it happens, but it will surely be interesting if it does.

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