Boxing: IBF gives go-ahead for Tyson vs Lewis

The International Boxing Federation yesterday approved a request by heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis to fight former champion Mike Tyson in his next bout.

Lewis needed permission from the federation to fight Tyson instead of Chris Byrd, the IBF's No 1 contender.

Byrd's bid to block a Lewis-Tyson fight was denied by United States District Court Judge John Bissell.

As part of its ruling, the federation said the winner of the Lewis-Tyson bout must next face Byrd no later than December 8.