Boxing: 'High profile' opponent next for Lewis

Frank Maloney, the manager of Lennox Lewis, has promised a "high profile" opponent for his heavyweight next time out if a challenge to the winner of the Oliver McCall-Frank Bruno World Boxing Council title fight is rejected.

Maloney, whose fighter overwhelmed a brave but limited Justin Fortune in four rounds in Dublin on Sunday night, has protested to the WBC, arguing that Lewis is No1 contender and that he should be facing McCall, not Bruno.

The former champion, who lost the title to McCall last September, said: "I will take on anyone, but he is the one I really want. He caused my downfall." Bruno's promoter, Frank Warren, insisted: "There is no possibility that will happen. They are living in wonderland.

"Contracts have been signed and I hope to be able to announce the venue for the rescheduled McCall-Bruno fight tomorrow." It is due to go ahead on 2 September.

Lewis was given 9 out of 10 by his new trainer, Emanuel Steward, for his 27th win in 28 contests, brought to a conclusion by three jolting uppercuts in quick succession.

Steward maintained: "Lennox is becoming more relaxed and I can see everything coming together in the next couple of fights. I say again he will prove himself the best heavyweight out there, Mike Tyson included."