Mike Tyson's heavyweight showdown with Lennox Lewis could be in jeopardy after Tyson revealed he would pull out if Don King wins the promotion rights to the fight. The April 6 bout could be threatened by the former world champion's latest claims that he will turn his back on the money-spinning bout if his former manager King is involved.
The Tyson and Lewis camps are currently involved in negotiations which must be completed by January 8 if they are to avoid a public auction at the WBC's offices in Mexico City on January 24. If this outcome prevails, King would become favourite to secure the rights for the hugely anticipated fight.
Lewis has already signed his half of the deal with HBO, but Tyson is believed to be holding out for US$25million, a considerably larger pay-day than his British opponent. However, the WBC remain optimistic that they will ratify the fight as soon as Tyson puts pen to paper, which would leave King out in the cold.
Filed by Shane Murray
