Holyfield backs Tyson to beat Lewis

Evander Holyfield has backed fellow American Mike Tyson to beat world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis if the two meet this year.

"I would give the advantage to Tyson," the former world champion, who has fought both men, told BBC Radio in an interview to be aired on Sunday.

"Tyson fights tall guys real well and Lennox Lewis tends to fight the style that Tyson likes.

"He's very reserved, he thinks a lot and Tyson tends to do well with guys who think a lot.

"When you let Tyson dictate the pace then there's a good chance he's going to catch you with one of the big bombs," he said.

Holyfield said he would prefer to fight Tyson but would love a third contest with Lewis if the WBC and IBF champion did not meet Tyson. Their first fight ended in a controversial draw and Lewis won the second.

The Lewis camp on Friday ruled out the chance of the long-awaited Tyson-Lewis fight taking place in the foreseeable future.

A Lewis aide said the showdown "was not going to happen" because the two fighters were contracted to rival television companies.

Lewis is two fights into a seven-contest deal with American television cable company HBO, while Tyson has an agreement with rival network Showtime.