Sport in Short: Boxing

LENNOX LEWIS will next Wednesday sign for his world heavyweight title final eliminator against Canada's Razor Ruddock. One of British boxing's biggest and most crucial fights will take place on 31 October in London, probably at Earls Court Arena. Ruddock, twice a loser to Mike Tyson but still arguably the most feared contender around, has already signed for a fight which will lead to a challenge against champion Evander Holyfield next year. Ruddock tuned up for the assignment with an impressive stoppage of Phil Jackson last week, while Lewis will prepare with a bout in California on 11 August.

DARRYL TYSON, of the United States, and the Mexican, Miguel Gonzalez, will fight for the vacant World Boxing Council lightweight championship in Mexico City on 14 August.

FRANCK NICOTRA, of France, retained his European super-middleweight crown in his first defence when he stopped the Irish challenger, Ray Close, in the eighth round in Paris yesterday.