Lennox ups stakes in Eliades fight

Lennox Lewis went on the offensive in his war of words with promoter Panos Eliades by lodging a complaint of misconduct with the British Boxing Board of Control today.

It was confirmed Lewis would defend his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation titles against American Hasim Rahjam near Johannesburg in South Africa on 21 April.

Lewis insists Eliades, his promoter for the last eight years, will play no part in the fight. But there is also bad news for Lewis fans aiming to watch the fight live on BBC television.

American broadcaster HBO, who have the great-est financial stake in the Londoner, are demanding a start time of before midnight in New York.

That means the first bell won't sound before 5am in Johannesburg and 4am in London.