The first bout, last July 28, resulted in a no-contest, after an accidental clash of heads opened nasty cuts over the eyes of Lewis just seconds into the second round. A man of his word, Lewis granted Mayorga (23-3-1, 21 KO's) an immediate rematch once his cuts healed.

This will be the third title defence for Lewis (21-0-1, 1 NC, 19 KO's) since winning the belt on February 17, 2001, with a seventh-round destruction of James Page. His first defence was a lopsided 12-round decision over Larry Marks, followed by the no-contest with Mayorga. Lewis also defeated Terrence Alli (TKO 2), Stephan Johnson (TKO 6), and highly-touted Teddy Reid (W 12) on his road to the championship.

Fightnews spoke to Lewis, who is in training at Fernwoods Resort in Bushkill, PA, one week before his rematch with Mayorga.

Describe the reception you received when you returned home to Guyana for the first time after winning the title?

It was a great reception. I never had a reception like that in my life. I can't wait to go back again. I want to do the right thing and win, so it will happen again. There were hundreds of thousands of people there waiting for me.

You are a legend in Guyana. Describe some of the gifts you received from the Government.

I received some nice gifts. I received a couple of million dollars, a house, and 2 cars. I also received some jewellery.

When you were younger, did you ever dream that you would become a world champion?

I was thinking that I would win the title. I always wanted to come to America and become a champion. When I didn't become an Olympic champion, I then wanted to be a professional world champion. (Lewis represented Guyana at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.)

Are your cuts from the first Mayorga fight 100 per cent healed?

Yes, the cuts have healed for a couple of months now. They had 7-8 months to heal. The laser surgery on the cuts went very well.

What does winning the world championship mean to you?

Winning the world championship means something great to me. I cannot describe it. I love it. It is a dream come true for me. I have to keep going and training hard to keep my title.

How many rounds have you sparred in this camp?

I sparred over 100 rounds in this camp. I am in great shape.

Describe your sparring sessions with Kermit Cintron and Oscar Diaz.

We did some great work. We helped each other. They gave me some good work and I gave them some good work. It went well. It was beautiful.

Your mother (Yvonne) and sister (Levan) travelled from Guyana to Los Angeles to see your first fight with Mayorga. What was their reaction to your cuts?

They said I should have boxed better. They were disappointed because I fought his fight and didn't fight my fight. They told me I should have boxed him better because he is not in my class as a boxer.

Did you see enough of Mayorga the first time to be able to make adjustments in the rematch?

Yes. I will box better this time.

Describe Mayorga’s style.

He is a wild puncher. He comes forward swinging and throwing a lot of punches. He comes in straight. I will do what I got to do to adjust.

How do you see this fight going in your mind?

I see the fight going 6,7, or 8 rounds. But, I will fight to win. If the knockout comes, it comes. I am just going for the win.

Team Lewis is like a close-knit family. Does that contribute to your success in the ring?

Yes. We hang out together and we are very close. We are friends outside of boxing. (Lewis is trained by Angel DeJesus, Quinto Soto, and Butch Sanchez, and managed by Nelson Fernandez.)

What did you think of the Forrest-Mosley fight? Were you surprised at the result?

Yes, I was surprised. I knew it would be a good fight, but I didn't expect the upset. I thought it would be a closer fight, because Mosley was more active, and everyone was predicting Mosley to win. Forrest is a very good fighter.

Do you have a prediction in your rematch with Mayorga?

I want to win any way I can. I am in great shape, and prepared for anything.

Do you have any final words?

I want to thank God for him to help me win this fight. Without God, I wouldn't be here. (Extracted from Fightnews.com)