Tyson not a lock for match

By JOHN F. MOLINARO -- SLAM! Wrestling

The prospect of Mike Tyson actually participating in a wrestling match for New Japan Pro Wrestling grows dimmer each day as Antonio Inoki told the Japanese media that Tyson's asking price is $18 million (U.S.) and wants the match to be a controlled, worked bout.

Another roadblock is the negotiations for a bout this summer between Tyson and I.B.F. and W.B.C. Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis.

"We are ready to start negotiations for a summer date and July 21 is the date we are looking at," Adrian Ogun, Lewis' business manager told B.B.C. Radio Five Live recently. "Lennox is ready, willing and able to fight at any time in any place. Mike now wants the fight, Lennox wants the fight and the public is demanding it."

Despite scepticism among critics and media, Inoki insists the fight will take place on June 17th at the Toyo EggDome, the same building Tyson dropped the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship to James "Buster" Douglas on February 11th, 1990.

Former N.W.A. World Heavyweight Champion Naoya Ogawa has publicly stated that he wants to be Tyson's opponent for the fight.