Rahman-Lewis rematch is almost in the bag
A "phenomenal" HBO financial offer has virtually secured Lennox Lewis a return match against world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, and South Africa is among countries likely to host it.
A reliable source says the American cable television's offer far outbids attempts by rival Showtime to match Rahman against the WBC's No 1 contender Mike Tyson.
"The amount offered by HBO for a Lewis Rahman return is far bigger than that offered for a Rahman-Tyson fight. It was difficult to refuse. The bout could be staged in August but no venue has been decided yet," said the source.
HBO had previously offered R112-million as opposed to Tyson's backers Showtime's R120-million.
The new deal reached in principle with HBO, who want to control the heavyweight championship as they did when Lewis was still champion, could be well be over R180-million.
Commenting on the latest events, Rodney Berman, boss of Golden Gloves/Fists said the success of the first Rahman-Lewis bout was such that the country deserves a second bite of the cherry.
"Once that fight is announced, I will personally fly to New York to sit down with both Cedric Kushner and HBO to get the fight here," said Berman.
- Former IBO middleweight champion Mpush Makambi's 10 rounds non-title bout against SA and All Africa champion Anthony Van Niekerk at Carnival City on May 9 is still on track.
The winner of this bout has been promised a crack at the new holder of the IBO belt Raymond Joval in Holland before the end of the year.
Southpaw Makambi, now trained by East London's Mzi Mnguni, cannot wish for anything better - he lost his title to Joval under trying circumstances.