Time is running out for Lewis

The World Boxing Council (WBC) stated on its website that Lewis must give them a decision by 15 April.

If a decision cannot be reached then Lewis will have 30 days to discuss a title defence against Vitali Klitschoko.

"The WBC will wait until April 15 to know the champion's decision," said WBC president Jose Sulaiman.

"We are sure that he (Lewis) will behave as usual as a true and authentic champion," he added.

HAVE YOUR SAY Mike Tyson is shot, he has no legs. He could fight Lennox Lewis 100 times and he would never beat him. From Andy, UK Join the debate

The British boxer has not defended his WBC crown since his eighth-round victory over Tyson in Memphis last June.

Since then talks about a moneyspinning rematch have stalled with the American most recently claiming he needs two more fights before he can face Lewis in the ring.

The WBC confirmed that if the highly-anticipated Lewis-Tyson rematch took place before June it would be considered a title bout.

But the statement did not make clear what would happen if Lewis does not agree to fight Tyson or Klitschko.

Lewis and Tyson set for double header

If Lewis vacated the crown then usually the two top contenders, Klitschko and Hasim Rahman, would contest the title.

Talk of Tyson and Lewis fighting on the same bill, but not against each other, has also not died down.

Possible opponents for Lewis include Vitali Klitschko, Kirk Johnson or Buffalo's Joe Mesi while Tyson could face Oleg Maskaev.