madjack
23-04-2002, 03:33 AM
Lennox faces IBF stripping
21apr02
AFP
BRITAIN heavyweight world boxing champion Lennox Lewis could be stripped of his IBF title should he not come to an agreement with Chris Byrd of the USA, it was reported here today.
Lewis' next fight is against former world champion Mike Tyson, set for Memphis on June 8, but No.1 IBF challenger Byrd wants his bout with Lewis settled.
The IBF has discussed Byrd's position and now Lewis - who regained the World Boxing Council, International Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation crowns when he beat Hasim Raham in Las Vegas last November - has 10 days to make a decision.
If the parties cannot come up with a satisfactory outcome, Byrd could meet the winner of Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman, who fight in Atlantic City on June 1, for the IBF title should Lewis be stripped of his crown.
"I don't care who I fight, but I just want to fight because I have earned my right to a title shot," Byrd said.
"Lennox has promised me a fight later this year, if and when he beats Tyson - but I think he will retire and not meet me.
"Now that I have the chance to meet either Holyfield or Rahman I'm sure that something will happen, because that would be a big fight."
21apr02
AFP
BRITAIN heavyweight world boxing champion Lennox Lewis could be stripped of his IBF title should he not come to an agreement with Chris Byrd of the USA, it was reported here today.
Lewis' next fight is against former world champion Mike Tyson, set for Memphis on June 8, but No.1 IBF challenger Byrd wants his bout with Lewis settled.
The IBF has discussed Byrd's position and now Lewis - who regained the World Boxing Council, International Boxing Organisation and International Boxing Federation crowns when he beat Hasim Raham in Las Vegas last November - has 10 days to make a decision.
If the parties cannot come up with a satisfactory outcome, Byrd could meet the winner of Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman, who fight in Atlantic City on June 1, for the IBF title should Lewis be stripped of his crown.
"I don't care who I fight, but I just want to fight because I have earned my right to a title shot," Byrd said.
"Lennox has promised me a fight later this year, if and when he beats Tyson - but I think he will retire and not meet me.
"Now that I have the chance to meet either Holyfield or Rahman I'm sure that something will happen, because that would be a big fight."