Lewis in line for Tyson showdown

Negotiations between representatives of Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson are well under way in a bid to stage the biggest-paying fight in history, according to Lewis's lawyer Judd Burstein.

But Burstein, speaking from the New York federal courtroom where Lewis is attempting to force champion Hasim Rahman into a rematch, cautioned that the deal is far from complete.

A press release issued by Lewis's business manager Adrian Ogun last night said the British boxer had secured a two-fight deal with Tyson.

It read: "HBO (Lewis's TV network) and Showtime (Tyson's) have agreed to an historic deal to screen Lewis versus Tyson I and a rematch."

However, Burstein said that the release had been sent out "inadvertently" and described reports of a forthcoming showdown as "premature and inaccurate". He added: "The bottom line is that it would not be honest of me to deny that there are heavy negotiations under way for a Lewis-Tyson fight, but there is no final agreement."

Tyson's manager, Shelley Finkel, has also admitted a contest between the two former undisputed world heavyweight champions is close - but not certain.

"A Tyson-Lewis contest is closer than it has been, but then again the outcome of the court case is closer, too," said Finkel.

Defeat for Lewis in court could hasten a clash between Rahman and Nigerian David Izon.

Previous efforts to bring together Lewis and Tyson have stumbled as a result of American television politics. Despite Ogun's claims that all parties have overcome the red tape, nothing in heavyweight boxing can be that simple.

Yet Ogun said: "This is the best situation for Lennox. He is now guaranteed two fights with Tyson regardless of whether he wins the court case.

"Lewis-Tyson I and II will be the biggest grossing fights in the history of boxing - with Lennox and Mike Tyson sharing around £120 million between them."

The first fight is likely to take place in December, a date that has been given a seal of approval by Lewis's trainer Emanuel Steward.

"This is what Lennox's career is all about," Steward said. "He will knock out Tyson. A December date presents us with no problems. If it goes our way in court, the rematch with Rahman will go ahead in August or September."