THE TONY GARNER COLUMN

LENNOX Lewis has spent the last decade trying to build up his credibility.

Like any sportsman he craves respect.

The Heavyweight Champion of the World spent a large part of his career being snubbed and sidelined.

While Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield dominated -- the big prize remained tantalisingly out of reach for Lweis.

But he remained strong and dedicated, and, when he finally got his chance, he took it.

And Lewis has been a worthy champion.

Someone Britain can be rightly proud of.

But now he's threatening to lose the respect he earned -- in my eyes at least.

Now, I must confess to being ambivalent about boxing.

I've sat there at ringside, been spattered in blood and sweat and been thrilled by the experience.

Though, while I admit to buying into the hype as much as the next man, I also confess I have a deep unease about supporting the dark trade.

Quite simply, I can't put up a valid argument in defence of a sport that leaves young men in comas.

No-one can.

You can't defend the indefensible.

Which brings us rather neatly back to Tyson.

Tyson's right to still be involved in the sport is at best questionable.

And simply stepping into the same ring as the foul-mouthed, ear-chewing rapist does no credit whatsoever to Lewis.

Don't get me wrong I'm not questioning the motives of Lewis.

He probably feels there remain question marks over his right to the title until he vanquishes one the most demonic figures boxing has ever produced.

The money too, must be a rather big temptation.

But after chewing at Holyfield's ears Tyson should never have been allowed into a ring again.

He proved my point in those sickening scenes at Glasgow last year when he manhandled the referee.

So in my book if Lewis agrees to fight Tyson he legitimizes those actions.

He gives the sort of brutal savagery that has become the American's trademark his tacit seal of approval.

Having, at last earned his reputation, he's now putting it on the line against an opponent who simply isn't worthy.

Sometimes in life Lennox, it's braver to walk away from a fight.