James Blears BBC Sport Online

Jose Sulaiman is adamant that there is no moral reason which should prevent the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson bout from taking place.

"We believe this is the fight the world wants to see, and no politician or vested interest should be superior to the wishes of the people of the world who love boxing."

Sulaiman is president of the World Boxing Council, who nominated Tyson as the number one challenger for the heavyweight title and has stuck to this decision through thick and thin.

On 8 June, Tyson will have the opportunity to win the heavyweight title for a third time, while Lewis has the chance to stamp the seal on his greatness.

"We have a classic fight, namely the boxer against the puncher. Even though Lennox can really punch with the right hand especially, he is a boxer.

"And I think he would be very foolish if he doesn't come as a boxer. Usually in the first two rounds he comes out to try and knock out the rival.

"But if those two rounds go, then he changes, and starts boxing, and doing it very well, looking for openings.

"Tyson is the other way. He doesn't care to box. His style is coming forward, throwing punches.

"If he uses his bobbing and weaving style, it makes it very difficult for his rivals to connect."

"In this situation we always say that the boxer who imposes his style is going to be the winner. As President of the WBC I cannot and will not pick anybody. I just want them to be at their best.

Sulaiman is also happy to see the bout taking place in a venue not considered traditional for boxing.

"Memphis is the best place that the fight could take place. In Las Vegas, it would have been one more fight - great as it is.

"In Memphis the people are proud to have this fight. Everyone is working as though it was something of their own.

"I believe that this might be one of the very last fights of both.

"If Tyson loses decisively he's gone, if Lewis loses decisively he's gone. But if the fight is good, and close there will be a re-match and then both will be gone."