Boxing: Rahman playing waiting game

Hasim Rahman has admitted he is happy to sit back and watch the bidding war escalate over who he should defend his WBC and IBF heavyweight titles against.

The American was all set to grant Lennox Lewis an early rematch following a $17m offer from US cable network HBO.

However, a reported $19.25m approach from rival station Showtime, via Mike Tyson’s advisor Shelly Finkel, was understandably enough to prevent the champion from signing on the dotted line.

‘‘The amount of money Shelly Finkel was talking about, I said, ’I have to take a second look at this,’’’ said Rahman, 28.

‘‘I wanted to wrap this up as soon as possible and not let this thing drag on. I want to focus on preparing my body for boxing.

‘‘But the difference is, when you start adding millions to the pot, it becomes worth it to let it drag on a little while longer.

‘‘We reviewed HBO’s contract, and I felt like, from top to bottom, it was the best deal out there at the time.

‘‘I was ready to sign the HBO deal, but, like Shelly said, he gave me some more to think about.’’

The original Lewis-Rahman contract contained a rematch clause granting the Briton a second bite at the cherry.

However, in another twist to the plot, the WBC, prompted by a lawsuit from Tyson, have said they will not sanction a second Lewis-Rahman bout.

If Lewis were to win such a contest the title would be declared vacant and Tyson, as number one contender, would get to fight for the belt against the next highest ranked fighter available.

‘‘I’m grateful that the WBC is standing by their rules by not sanctioning an immediate rematch between Mr. Rahman and Mr. Lewis,’’ Tyson said in a prepared statement.

‘‘I am dropping my lawsuit against them, and as the number one contender, I look forward to fighting for the title as soon as possible.’’

David Tua, listed as the IBF’s number one contender, has filed a suit similar to Tyson’s against that organization in an effort to block a Rahman-Lewis rematch.

Rahman, however, knows he could end up fighting in court if he chooses anyone but Lewis, whose camp has threatened to sue if it doesn’t get a rematch.

‘‘I’m not going to make a decision without consulting with my attorney,’’ Rahman said.