Boxing: Tyson talks will be finalised soon - Lewis

A showdown between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson could be finalised soon.

Lewis had said earlier this week that there was no chance of a £100m fight 'in the foreseeable future'.

But behind-the-scenes moves have picked up a rapid momentum in the last two days.

The world heavyweight champion reports that "talks" are under way for the mega-fight.

Lewis added: "We both expect that it will be finalised soon".

Lewis-Tyson bulletin number one, issued from the champion's London headquarters, read: "We are pleased to inform the world that talks have begun between representatives of our two camps to make a Lewis-Tyson championship bout a reality this year.

"Both camps pledge to work in good faith to finalise this deal. We both have interim fights we are focusing on. We expect to begin serious negotiations thereafter.

"We ask the press to understand that we cannot negotiate in the media. We have both agreed not to posture or comment on the details on the negotiations.

"Joint statements will be issued on progress made. We ask that members of the press respect this commitment.

"We are both aware that the public eagerly awaits a championship bout between us. It is the bout we both want. We both expect that it will be finalised soon."

That statement will gladden the hearts of committed fight fans awaiting boxing's richest bout, but on Monday Lewis was quoted saying: "There's no chance of it taking place in the foreseeable future."

Lewis added: "I'm fed up with Mike and his manager Shelley Finkel pretending that I'm the one who doesn't really want the fight. I want to put the real position on record.

"They are the one who keep messing me about and keeping me waiting. Then they blame me for taking other fights I need to keep in shape. I'm going to spell out what the situation really is."

The public, therefore, could be excused for feeling confused.

Lewis' business manager Adrian Ogun initially spoke of a July 21 date, which appeared an early deadline in view of the tough negotiations which have to be thrashed out between rival pay-per-view networks, the champion's Home Box Office organisation and Tyson's Showtime network.

Two weeks ago, the Lewis office issued a statement which read: "Lennox Lewis has agreed to a challenge from Mike Tyson for a showdown as early as June this year."

Lewis is currently preparing for another title defence against Hasim Rahman in Johannesburg on April 21, while Tyson is moving to a May 19 date, probably against David Izon.

Tyson, as the World Boxing Council's leading contender, is entitled to challenge Lewis by November, which would appear the more likely timing for a fight.