Boxing: Boxing: Lewis Misses WBC Deadline on His Plans / Jones to Remain Heavyweight

Associated Press - April 16, 2003

LAS VEGAS - Lennox Lewis is still looking to fight June 21. Still to be decided is his opponent, and whether Lewis will even have a title to defend.

Lewis missed a Tuesday deadline set by the WBC to clarify his plans. He is negotiating to fight Kirk Johnson on June 21, while pursuing legal action to keep the WBC from stripping him for not fighting top-ranked Vitali Klitschko.

The Lewis fight will top a card that also will feature Mike Tyson against an opponent likely to be either Ray Mercer or Oleg Maskaev.

Tyson manager Shelly Finkel said the fight card could be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, assuming Tyson can get a license to fight in California. Last week, there were negotiations for a fight in New Jersey, but the state's governor said Tyson would not be licensed there.

On another heavyweight front, Roy Jones Jr. notified the WBA he would remain a heavyweight and give up his light heavyweight crown.

Jones is pursuing a fight with Evander Holyfield, though the WBA wants him to defend against Klitschko instead.

The Daily News reported Wednesday that Jones broke his right hand in a recent motorcycle accident, which could delay his plans.

Detroit Free Press - April 18, 2003

Fight fans might get to see a big-name doubleheader at Ford Field in June.

Detroit businessman Bill McCrary said Thursday that he will try to stage a proposed twin heavyweight card featuring WBC champion Lennox Lewis and former title holder Mike Tyson. McCrary said the event would take place June 21 and hoped Ford Field would be selected as the site.

As McCrary spoke, HBO and Showtime were attempting to thrash out details and a location for the card, in which Lewis and Tyson would fight against different opponents on pay-per-view.

Tyson's manager, Shelly Finkel, said the fights likely would be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. But McCrary and Emanuel Steward, Lewis' trainer, think Ford Field is a possibility.

"Timing is everything, and we hope we're not too late," McCrary said. "Ford Field would be a super venue for the doubleheader. It would put this city where it should be on the fight map. It would be a big-time social event."

Steward, boss of Detroit's famous Kronk Gym, agreed. "I believe the card will be held in Los Angeles or Las Vegas, but Ford Field would be ideal," he said.

Lewis and Tyson fought for the heavyweight crown in June at Memphis, Tenn., with Lewis winning by knockout. Lewis likely would fight Kirk Johnson on the June 21 card, with Tyson meeting Oleg Maskaev or Ray Mercer.

"I've been working with a small group of investors to bring the card to Detroit," McCrary said. "We've got the money to back it."

McCrary said he had talked to Ford Field management about the promotion.

Joan LeMahieu, general manager at Ford Field, confirmed McCrary's interest.

"We're in the business of hosting big events," she said. "We've had the Rolling Stones here and have Eminem performing at Ford Field in July. We are happy to work with any promoter who comes to us for date availability."

Yes heard this earlier today!!!

Lennox Lewis looks like heading for Los Angeles to make the next defence of his world heavyweight title.

Lewis is set to fight Canadian Kirk Johnson on September 21 on a bill which also includes Mike Tyson.

Potential problems over Tyson's licence application scuppered venues in Buffalo, New York, New Jersey and Las Vegas.

But the Los Angeles Daily News reports that the California Athletic Commission have indicated they will allow Tyson to box there, probably against the Russian Oleg Maskaev.

It will be official announced at the end of the week,about time they sorted it out...

Good to see they finally got that mess figured out.

Ocelot totally agree with you,it will be nice to see Lewis fight again.After the Tyson fight was so one sided let's hope Johnson gives him a good fight!

Yeah lets hope so. I want to see a great fight. Hopefully Johnson will be up to the challenge.