Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson must agree terms for their proposed world heavyweight title clash next April within the next fortnight. Although both camps insist negotiations are on track, they must agree a deal soon or else the promotional rights for this eagerly-awaited fight will go to the highest bidder.
"The WBC ratifies Mike Tyson as the official challenger for heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis," confirmed WBC president Jose Sulaiman. "The period for free negotiations for the fight ends on January 8, and if no agreement is reached, a public purse offer will be held on January 24 at noon in the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City."
However, promoter Don King has tried to tempt Tyson away from his showdown with Lewis by offering him over £10m to fight WBA champion John Ruiz.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
