Boxing: Tyson - Lennox will pay

Mike Tyson remained defiant and unrepentant following his amazing fracas with Lennox Lewis.

The pair became embroiled in a 20-man brawl at a New York press conference designed to rubber-stamp their proposed April 6 showdown in Las Vegas.

Tyson was already due to have his application for a renewal of his licence to box in Nevada discussed by a five-strong panel of State Athletic Commissioners on January 29.

In his last three fights in Las Vegas, Tyson has bitten a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s ear, attempted to break Frans Botha’s arm and hit Orlin Norris after the bell resulting in a one-round no-contest.

Tyson appeared to spark the incident after storming across the stage to Lewis and throwing a punch when Lewis’ minder attempted to intervene.

However, he said: ‘‘My motivation for approaching Lennox was to stage a face off, which I was told both camps had agreed to.

‘‘It was Lennox’s bodyguard who panicked and shoved me. Lennox then threw a right.

‘‘I was here to promote the fight, not be intimidated. I will never be intimidated by anyone, and Lennox will pay in April.’’

Whether that bout actually takes place must now be in doubt, however.

Lewis has vowed to ‘‘evaluate my options after the relevant boxing commissions rule’’, but leading US journalist Bert Sugar believes the writing is on the wall.

He said: ‘‘Tyson can’t fight unless he gets a licence. Will his behaviour have furthered his application? No is the answer.

‘‘I don’t see this fight. I think we saw the Lewis-Tyson fight right there, there will be no more.’’