Boxing: Beirut venue thrown into ring for Lewis-Tyson

Liverpool promoter John Hyland has given the search for a venue to stage a world heavyweight title showdown between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson a bizarre twist by offering to put the fight on in Beirut.

Hyland, who was the promoter for former WBU light-welterweight Shea Neary, has held talks with Gulf Finance and Investment Corporation chairman Jean Abou Rached.

Hyland said: ‘‘Mr Abou Rached is very excited at the prospect of staging in the Middle East, one of the most eagerly awaited and anticipated heavyweight title contests of all time.

‘‘Confirmation of our interest has been faxed to both camps and we now look forward to receiving a positive response.’’

Tyson was refused a licence to fight in Las Vegas by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after a press conference to promote an April 6 showdown with Lewis descended into a brawl.

Since then the search has been on for an alternative venue and the favourites so far are Texas or California.

China and South Africa have also been put forward as possible venues but it seems highly improbable that either fighter would consider staging a contest in war-torn Beirut.