He who wears the World Boxing Council's belt is generally regarded as the champion of champions - a cut above those who hold the titles of the World Boxing Association, the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Organisation.
But King couldn't find it within himself to hail Klitschko as the true champ. "If Klitschko is the champion, you ain't got none," he roared.
" Klitschko punched Danny Williams with everything he had and he couldn't get the job done. A real good guy would have taken Danny out after four rounds."
King spent the weekend trying to persuade the HBO pay-per-view television network to back a tournament in which the four title holders would battle it out until one emerged as undisputed champion. How HBO executives, who probably needed the fingers of two hands rather than a calculator to add up the number of 'buys' for Klitschko versus Williams on this side of the Atlantic, must wish the last man to hold the undisputed title was still in the ring rather than in their commentary booth.
When Lewis's presence within the Mandalay Bay Arena was recognised by the ring announcer on Saturday, the cheer reached a decibel level that rocked the roof of the cavernous venue. The greetings for Klitschko and Williams were muted by comparison.
When asked for his views on the current state of heavyweight boxing, Lewis gave the kind of wink that suggested he could still take on and beat Klitschko and his boxing brother Wladimir, both on the same night.
But what of Chris Byrd, the powerlacking southpaw who had to climb from the canvas to retain his IBF title on a close decision against Jameel McCline last month?
"Byrd has to reassert himself to show the world that we should take him seriously," said Lewis.
As for John Ruiz, the WBA champion who was easily beaten by Roy Jones last year, Lewis voiced the frustration felt by most of those who have watched the 'Quiet Man' fail to make a noise with his gloves. "I always want to break the TV when I see him box," said Lewis.
That leaves Lamon Brewster, the WBO champion who, last time out, was taken to a split decision by Kali Meehan of Australia. Yes, the same Kali Meehan who lasted less than a round against Williams in 2001.
Ask the reporters in the States where their next big star - a Tyson or a Holyfield or a Bowe - is coming from and they point to the many televisions hanging from the ceiling of one of the sports bars here.
Tall, heavy, strapping lads fill the screens playing American Football or basketball, sports that now offer a huge amount of financial gain for none of the pain of boxing.
Ring magazine, boxing's bible, recently ranked their top 100 fighters. Not one heavyweight made the top 10. The sport is surviving on light weight talent, and it is all the poorer for that.
