Mike Tyson has declared his intention to "kill" Lennox Lewis when they meet in Memphis on 8 June.

'Iron Mike' was talking on the Hawaiian island of Maui where he is in training for his fight with IBF and WBC heavyweight champion Lewis.

He said: "My main objective is to be professional but to kill him.

"That's what it comes to. He should want to kill me because I want to kill him. But I still love him."

Tyson, whose problems in and out of the ring have derailed his career several times, claimed he cannot imagine Lewis defeating him.

"I can't foresee losing, I can't even conceive of losing, not in my sleep, nothing."

Tirade

The infamously volatile Tyson maintained his composure during an hour-long session with reporters, even when quizzed about his often-controversial lifestyle.

"I'm not in a mood to be upset and go into a tirade," he said. "Maybe in a few weeks I will be."

Tyson, who plans to stay in Maui until 10 days before the fight, did, however, take exception to suggestions that the paradise island may not the best place to build up a rage against Lewis.

"How would you get ready for a fight?" he asked.

"I've been uncomfortable all my life. This should be fun. The fight will be fun so why shouldn't this be fun?"

He added: "I've just got to get in proper preparation psychologically, be hungry and determined, but it's just a fight."