Former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis has denied reports that he is planning a comeback at the age of 41 to fight Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko.

"Although I'm flattered that the boxing community is eager to have me back in the ring, I have no plans to return," Lewis said in a statement on his website (www.lennoxlewis.com).

"I have no idea how these rumours get started but I am a man of my word, I will remain retired."

Briton Lewis, who retired three years ago, is the third man only after Americans Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano to retire while still world heavyweight champion.