World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis could be stripped of his International Boxing Federation title if he does not reach a deal with American contender Chris Byrd.
Byrd has been the number one challenger for Lewis's IBF title for more than a year, but an agreement was made to allow the Briton to fight Mike Tyson first.
That fight finally looks set to go ahead at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis on June 8th, but Byrd wants his own world title shot sorted out immediately.
The IBF met in New Jersey yesterday to discuss Byrd's position and now Lewis - who regained the World Boxing Council, International Boxing Organisation and IBF crowns when he beat Hasim Raham in Las Vegas last November - has 10 days to make a decision.
If the parties cannot come up with a satisfactory outcome, Byrd could meet the winner of Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman, who fight in Atlantic City on June 1st, for the IBF title should Lewis be stripped of his crown.
"I don't care who I fight, but I just want to fight because I have earned my right to a title shot," Byrd said in The Sunday Mirror.
"Lennox has promised me a fight later this year, if and when he beats Tyson - but I think he will retire and not meet me."
"Now that I have the chance to meet either Holyfield or Rahman I'm sure that something will happen, because that would be a big fight."
PA