Boxing: Lewis running scared - Tua camp

Lennox Lewis is running scared, according to the camp of New Zealand heavyweight boxer David Tua.

World champion Lewis says he is prepared to face Mike Tyson ahead of his proposed International Boxing Federation defence against Tua in November, effectively throwing the IBF belt in the bin.

"I am willing to sidestep Tua and box Tyson straight away," Lewis said. "I would get a lot money to fight Tyson."

Lewis is defending his IBF and World Boxing Council titles against South African Frans Botha in London on July 15.

Tua's New Zealand manager, Kevin Barry, said Lewis' comments were not surprising. "I've known for some time he doesn't want to fight David, who is at the peak of his physical fitness. He's a very dangerous opponent for Lewis."

Tua, meanwhile, has a new opponent for his July 21 bout in Las Vegas. Fernely Feliz has been replaced by 31-year-old Robert Daniels, a former world cruiserweight champion.

- NZPA