Boxing: Lewis denies accusation of ducking Bruno fight

FRANK BRUNO yesterday warned Lennox Lewis that the British public would never forgive him if he withdraws from their proposed heavyweight bout.

'Lennox is going around calling Riddick Bowe a chicken. Well, I'm calling Lewis a duck - he's trying to duck me. He will lay one big, bad egg if he does not go through with our fight,' Bruno said.

Lewis responded: 'I have a message for Frank Bruno: if you really want to fight me, stop putting silly things in the newspapers. That's not going to make it happen. Only sensible and reasonable negotiations will.

'It's funny Frank wasn't interested in a fight with me when I was British and European champion. I'd be happy to fight Bruno, but it is the business of my team to make the decisions which will benefit my career.'

Lewis's American promoter Dan Duva said: 'A Bruno fight is very special to Britain and Lennox and his team want it to happen, but maybe not next. A Holyfield fight has far greater worldwide significance.'