By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online in Memphis

After the profanity-laced offerings from the Mike Tyson camp in the build-up to the fight, winning the publicity war was never going to be difficult for Lennox Lewis.

But at his own news conference the world heavyweight champion produced the kind of virtuoso performance that is usually associated with his work in the ring.

Embracing his role with the kind of dignity that one would expect, Lewis answered every question with quiet confidence and sometimes, with a little humour.

"I only had one reservation with fighting in Memphis and that was the humidity," the 36-year-old said on Wednesday.

"But we're fighting indoors, so everything is sweet."

Despite the contrast between the two camps, some figures within boxing are still backing Tyson.

One is former world champion Glenn McCrory, who sparred 100 rounds with Tyson during the 1980s and also lost to Lewis in two rounds in 1991.

"If Rahman could knock out Lewis then Tyson can," McCrory told BBC Sport Online.

McCrory reckons that if Lewis fights the cautious way that he expects, that would play straight into Tyson's hands.

His other concern is that if Lewis throws the lazy jab which he is prone to doing, a Tyson right hand counter could end matters there and then.