Newsmakers

LAS VEGAS: Mike Tyson will have to answer questions about the brawl he triggered with undisputed champion Lennox Lewis during a news conference if he is to be issued a boxing license, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) said on Tuesday.

The mass brawl took place as the two fighters were attending a news conference to announce the final details of their proposed world heavyweight title match-up.

The two were standing on podiums on a stage at the front of the venue when Tyson suddenly walked across towards Lewis and appeared to throw a punch at a man standing close to the Briton causing a fight involving around 20 other men to break out.

Without the license, the richest fight in boxing history with a projected purse of $150 million set for April 6 at the MGM Grand, cannot go ahead.

Tyson is expected to attend the NSAC hearing next Tuesday and must convince at least three of the five members that he is fit to obtain a license.

The Commission could turn down Tyson's request on the grounds that he is not mentally fit to fight.

The former champion is also currently investigation by the Las Vegas police for an alleged rape.

The last time Tyson fought for a title at the MGM Grand on June 28, 1997, he was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield's ears.

"It (the brawl) will be another factor the commission will have to take under consideration," said Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. "They can certainly ask him questions about it at the licensing hearing next Tuesday.

"They can ask him all kinds of questions."