British fighter Lewis is generally considered to be the main champion of the world even though he only holds the WBC version of the title.

Now he could put that belt on the line against the man who comes out on top of a series organised by promoter King.

Evander Holyfield and Chris Byrd will meet in Atlantic City on 14 December for the vacant IBF title - which Lewis vacated rather than face Byrd.

The winner will face the victor of a bout between undisputed world light-heavyweight champion Roy Jones, who is stepping up to the heavyweight division, and WBA champion John Ruiz.

Lewis, who joined King at a media conference on Thursday, will commentate on both fights for television and he could then meet whoever unifies the IBF and WBA crowns.

King said: "Lewis is the emperor of boxing. He stands a breed apart. Everyone they put in front of him he has dispatched.

"As he observes and analyses these fighters on the microphone he can look at them and consider if he will let them challenge him."

Lewis, 37, said it was too early to tell if he would take on the winner, commenting only: "I'll tell you when I've seen them fight."

He added: "It's going to be great to go up and do some commentating, so people can actually hear from Lennox Lewis' mind how he analyses fights."

King said he had paid Lewis �650,000 and a Range Rover to give up his IBF belt rather than face mandatory challenger Byrd.

Then he had the inspiration for the elimination series when he was in the African bush with Lewis recently.

"We came up with the idea to make something that would be exciting and provocative and soul stirring for boxing," said the promoter.

"We were trying to do something that would contribute to the sport of boxing."