Boxing: Washington DC give Tyson green light
Mike Tyson has been granted a boxing licence to fight in Washington DC.
The city’s Boxing and Wrestling Commission voted 3-0 to allow Tyson to fight in the American capital, fuelling speculation that the 35-year-old will take on Lennox Lewis for the world title at the MCI Center on June 8.
The bout was originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in April but that was cancelled after the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused Tyson a licence following a much-publicised brawl at a press conference in New York.
The former world champion, whose career has been dogged by controversy, was understandably delighted to be given the green light to fight in the shadow of the White House.
‘‘I’m thrilled to be licensed in Washington DC,’’ Tyson said in a statement.
‘‘I applaud their decision and will give the fight fans in the District the fight they deserve the chance to see me knock out Lennox Lewis in June.’’
Other cities are also competing to stage the bout in a bid to boost a flagging tourist industry which has been hit after the September 11 atrocities.
The state of Tennessee has also granted Tyson a licence while Denver is known to be keen on staging the event which is sure to generate unparalleled interest.
