Lebedev to work with Tszyu for Jones fight

Russian cruiserweight Denis Lebedev will be preparing for his fight against Roy Jones Jr. on May 22 in Moscow with ring-legend Kostya Tszyu, a friend of Jones. Tszyu will assist Valery Belov, Ledebev’s trainer.

"I think Roy can still show good boxing,” Tszyu said. “Yes, he is already 42 years old, but he has great experience in championship fights. I'm sure it will be for Denis did not just fight.

“The hardest part of my work with Dennis is preparing him for battle against Roy Jones. This guy is my good friend. We've known each other for many years. I want that after this fight we have remained friends.”

Lebedev (21-1, 16 knockouts) will begin training in Moscow during the first week of April. Lebedev has yet to find sparring partners. The first press conference will take place in early April.

"Negotiations were very difficult,” said Vladimir Hryunov, Lebedev’s manager. “But all was successful. The upcoming match will be called ‘The Battle between two Empires.’ And here we will try to answer one question: What Empire is better? The best boxer pound for pound from 1996 to 2002 Roy Jones, who represents America. Or representing Russia Denis Lebedev.”

Jones (54-7, 40 KOs) lives in Pensacola, Fla.

The fight will take place in the Sport Complex Krylatskoe in Moscow.