Athletic commission denies Tyson a boxing license to face Lewis in Nevada

<br>LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Mike Tyson was denied a boxing license Tuesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a decision that will force him to reschedule a championship bout against Lennox Lewis. <br><br>The

Tuesday, January 29th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Mike Tyson was denied a boxing license Tuesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a decision that will force him to reschedule a championship bout against Lennox Lewis.

The denial prevents him from challenging the WBC-IBF heavyweight champion on April 6 at the MGM Grand, but does not kill the fight because Tyson could be licensed by another state or country.

The commission's 4-1 vote came one week after Tyson and Lewis were involved in a melee at a New York news conference to formally announce the fight.

``I'm not Mother Theresa,'' Tyson said during the hearing. ``I'm not Charles Manson either. Just treat me equal.''

Tyson left the hearing before the vote was taken, but it was clear by then that he would be rejected. Tyson asked at the last moment to withdraw the application, but was not allowed to.

Shelly Finkel, Tyson's adviser, said he would not comment on whether the fight would occur, but said he would be meeting with Lewis' promoter Wednesday.

Asked about Tyson's reaction, Finkel said, ``He's not happy.''