Showtime Event Television's and HBO Pay-Per-View's presentation of the Lennox
Lewis-Mike Tyson heavyweight-title fight, slated for April 6, may be in jeopardy
after the Tuesday press conference announcing the event turned into a melee.
Representatives from Lewis' camp said the World Boxing Council and
International Boxing Federation champion would evaluate his 'options' about
participating in the match after Tyson rushed Lewis while on stage during the
opening moments of the press conference in New York.
The ensuing brawl left Tyson with a cut on his forehead and a reported bite
mark on Lewis' leg.
The much-anticipated PPV event hinges on Tyson obtaining a boxing license
from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which is expected to make its
decision regarding the controversial boxer within the next two weeks, sources
close to the situation said.
The commission stripped Tyson of his license after the former heavyweight
champion bit Evander Holyfield's ear during a 1997 fight.
Given Tyson's press-conference outburst, sources said it's unclear whether
the commission will grant Tyson's license.
The fight, if given the go-ahead, would mark the first fight co-promotion
between HBO PPV and SET.
'It's likely out of our hands based on today's incident, and we'll have to
await a review from the proper authorities,' Home Box Office senior vice
president of sports operations Mark Taffet said.
