The hype surrounding the undisputed world heavyweight unification title fight has begun

Almost three months ahead of the match - scheduled for March 13 - both vowed they would triumph.

"When you wait for a long time and you cry, you finally get what you want," said Holyfield.

"On March 13, Lewis cashes in. But I will be ready. I will be the undisputed champion. I will be wearing the belt."

Holyfield: Will make $20m on the match

The Maddison Square Garden fight will bring together the sport's three major sanctioning bodies for the first time since 1992.

Lewis, echoing Holyfield's words, said: "I'll be ready. I will be stepping out with all three belts and I'll be the undisputed world heavyweight champion."

At 36, Holyfield is the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion. He has 36 wins to three defeats with 25 knockouts, and will pick up $20m for the match.

Holyfield: "I'm honoured"

Lewis, 33, is the World Boxing Council champion, and is 34-1 with 27 knockouts. He is set to bank $8m.

Holyfield was undisputed champion for 19 months in 1991 and 1992 before he lost to Riddick Bowe and the title was broken up.

Lewis: 34-1 with 27 knockouts

He needs to beat Lewis to secure his place amongst the undisputed legends.

Holyfield's trainer Don Turner said: "He's obsessed with having the title unified.

"Finally it's going to happen. Holyfield is one of the most extraordinary boxers in history. It'll be a different Holyfield than the one who fought Mike Tyson. You will see Holyfield at his best."

Lewis: "My aspiration, my dreams"

Having never faced Tyson, Bowe or George Foreman, Lewis finally has the career-defining fight he has needed.

"I have waited for this a long time," he said. "I'm glad Holyfield finally said yes because of the pressure he has been under to have this fight.

"March 13 will be a special day, a hard day. I don't expect it to be easy.

"I'm a fighting man who shows true grit, a man with a lot of patience and determination. I think it's going to be a great fight."

Both fighters wore grey suits at the two-hour session, and neither spoke or looked at one another.

King: "Something kind of different"

Promoter Don King took centre stage, comparing the fight to the famed 1971 Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier bout at the Garden.

"The British are coming. Get ready and be fortified," he said.

"I want all the Brits to come along with the Union Jack and sing along. We're all allies. It's probably the greatest event you have seen in a long time."