Lewis Heads for Memphis

The backers of Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson are close to announcing a deal that would see the world heavyweight title fight go ahead at the 20,000-seat Pyramid Arena in Memphis on June 8.

Tyson's manager Shelly Finkel and Gary Shaw, representing Lewis's US promoters Main Events, have met twice this week with officials from the arena, the Memphis mayor and the Nashville-based promoter Brian Young.

Significantly, casino executives from nearby Tunica have also been involved in the talks. "It's been good," said Finkel. "There have been no negatives."

According to Young, an investment group is prepared to put up a $12.5m (£8.8m) site fee to bring the fight to the city. That has put Memphis ahead of Washington and Detroit, two other cities whose boxing commissions are prepared to grant Tyson a licence.

Naseem Hamed's comeback fight against the Spaniard Manuel Calvo has been rescheduled for May 18 at the London Arena after a postponement caused by a back injury sustained by Hamed while training.

"Not only has Naz been in pain, he's been frustrated," said Hamed's brother and manager Riath. "Following a two-week rest, we are hoping he can resume training next week."

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