Boxing: Lewis and Tyson ready for Memphis Mayhem

Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson will be walking in Memphis this summer after their on-off showdown was last night rescheduled for The Pyramid Arena on June 8.

American cable network Showtime confirmed the new date and venue for the richest fight in history after both boxers finally put pen to paper.

The bout had originally been planned for Las Vegas in April but Tyson’s past exploits led to him being refused a licence by Nevada’s boxing officials.

Washington, Los Angeles, Michigan, Georgia, Houston and a whole host of major cities the world over were put forward as potential alternatives.

But the guessing game came to an end last night as Memphis, famous as the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, was chosen to stage the WBC, IBF and IBO heavyweight title match-up.

Lewis kept everyone waiting for an agonising two hours before finally realising ‘It’s Now or Never’ and signing on the dotted line.

The reigning champion vowed to put his opponent in ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ as he declared: ‘‘Lewis-Tyson is the match-up the whole world has been waiting for. I am confident I will cement my legacy when I dispose of Tyson on June 8.’’

But former undisputed title holder Tyson insisted it is the Brit who will be ‘All Shook Up’ as he hit back: ‘‘On June 8, I guarantee I will knock Lewis out and regain my heavyweight championship.’’

Those comments came via a prepared Showtime statement, however, and it can only be hoped there will be no repeat of the infamous New York press conference at which Lewis was bitten on the thigh by Tyson.

Memphis mayor Willie Herenton said: ‘‘Memphis is elated to be the host city of this great sporting event.’’

But why has the Tennessee city emerged from the pack of potential venues?

Memphis sports reporter Erik Haseltine told Radio Five Live: ‘‘It will bring a lot of money to a city which is trying to grow.

‘‘It will bring a lot of notoriety to a city which has just burst onto the scene in the major sporting ranks.

‘‘This is an opportunity for the city to showcase its ability. The Pyramid Arena won’t be a bad facility by any means.

‘‘The seating at the Arena is not as comfortable as it is at some other venues but they are confident they can get the job done.

‘‘And the one really attractive thing about this city for people coming in here is that it is affordable, it is much cheaper to put the event on here.

‘‘We all know that when we are talking about dollars and cents, and money in your pocket, the boxing world is going to take the most money it can.’’