BBC show interest in Lewis-Tyson fight

The BBC today expressed an interest in broadcasting Lennox Lewis' world heavyweight title defence against Mike Tyson.

The BBC today expressed an interest in broadcasting Lennox Lewis' world heavyweight title defence against Mike Tyson.

However, the organisation said they would not meet the excessive costs to secure broadcast rights.

Fight organisers are believed to want £5 million for the exclusive British television rights to the fight on June 8th at The Pyramid Arena in Memphis.

A BBC statement said: "The owners of the Lewis-Tyson fight are in negotiations with several broadcasters as far as we know.

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"Speculation about the BBC's involvement is inaccurate and premature. We have not, and would not, pay £5 million for a single boxing match.

"We do remain, however, interested in working with Lennox Lewis on his remaining world championship fights, but only if this represents value for money for the BBC."

The BBC covered Lewis' title defeat to Hasim Rahman in South Africa last year.

PA