Boxing: King-Maloney alliance may benefit Lewis

DON KING, the American promoter, is to go into partnership with Frank Maloney, the manager of the World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis. The move follows the break-up of a business relationship between the flamboyant American and Frank Warren.

Today in the High Court in London, the hearing will begin into allegations that King is owed millions of pounds by Warren after their three-year partnership fell apart last December. Warren contends that he owes the American nothing.

Last night King, who is expected to arrive in London later this week to give evidence in the case, told The Independent: "I'm working for the betterment of boxing in Britain. My most important aspect is to help the UK fighters gain fame and acclaim."

The new partnership, which could help to raise the profile of Lewis in America, will begin with the British fighter's defence of his title against Shannon Briggs in Atlantic City on 28 March.