Boxing: Lewis accuses Tyson of biting him

Lennox Lewis has revealed that Mike Tyson had bitten out "a significant piece of flesh" during their press conference brawl.

Lewis was speaking following the Nevada State Commission's decision to deny Tyson a licence to box the world heavyweight champion in Las Vegas in April.

"Prior to today I have made no public statements concerning the events of January 22," Lewis said in a statement through his American promoters Main Events.

"I remained silent at the direct instruction and insistence of my attorneys, who advised me that revealing the truth about what occurred would have undoubtedly led to a lawsuit by Mike Tyson claiming that I interfered with the licensing process.

"In addition I believed that the Nevada State Athletic Commission, for whom I have the greatest respect and whose integrity is beyond dispute, should make its decision in the best interests of boxing, without regard to what I may or may not have wanted.

"However, now that the licensing proceedings are over, I am no longer bound to remain silent. The fact is that Mike Tyson bit through my trousers and took a significant piece of flesh out of my thigh."

Lewis added: "I was particularly disturbed by the fact that he went before the commission and did not tell the truth by denying what he knows occurred."