Holyfield re-match back on

All parties are back working for a Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield heavyweight title re-match on November 13th, likely to be in Las Vegas.

Only last week, it looked as if the $30 million superfight was off, and that American prospect Michael Grant could instead be the next challenger for WBC champion Lewis.

But American cable network paymasters Home Box Office have now withdrawn their threat of non co-operation with promoter Don King, and negotiations have re-opened for Lewis-Holyfield II following their controversial draw in March.

"Negotiations went well in New York. HBO and Don King have come to a compromise and hopefully the fight is back on," said Lewis's manager Frank Maloney.

"This fight has to happen for the sanity of boxing. If it doesn't happen, boxing has no credibility. Both fighters want it badly, and boxing needs it, end of issue. Politics will have to go out the window with this one.

"Take the money out of it. If it doesn't happen the sport will never be the same again."

Meanwhile, Denmark's world IBO heavyweight boxing champion Brian Nielsen, on a life support machine after collapsing in the ring during a fight on Friday, left hospital in Copenhagen yesterday.

The fight between 34-year-old Nielson and America's Dickie Rayan was stopped by the referee in the 10th round after the Danish champion, who was leading in points, appeared on the point of collapse.

Nielsen was determined to continue in his bid to equal the record of 50 straight wins of all-time champion Rocky Marciano.

Barely able to stand in the 10th round, he was forced to pull out of the match and was taken to hospital.

Blood tests confirmed that Nielson hadn't drank enough water before the fight, sparking widespread condemnation by the local press at the decision to let the contest continue.