No Deal Yet, King, Douglas Say About Suit : Boxing: Spokesmen for the promoter and the heavyweight champion deny report that they have settled their legal dispute.

James “Buster” Douglas and his lone post-Tyson opponent, promoter Don King, finally agreed on something today: they have not settled a lawsuit which would get the heavyweight champion back in the ring.

Douglas’ comments to The Columbus Dispatch about a done deal in the federal case were premature, said John Johnson, the fighter’s manager. Douglas reportedly said Sunday there was an agreement severing his ties with King and permitting a title defense against Evander Holyfield.

Douglas has not fought since his stunning Feb. 10 knockout of ex-champion Mike Tyson.

“Basically, it’s still being talked about. If and when it’s settled, it will be something we are happy with,” said Johnson. “The one thing to remember is that Don King was wrong, he is wrong, and he always will be wrong in this case.”

A spokesman for the shock-haired promoter said today that while there could be negotiations involving King, there was definitely no deal.

“The situation remains this: I’ve talked to our attorneys, and there is no settlement signed. There is no agreement. And we are ready to go back into court tomorrow,” said John Solberg, a spokesman for Don King Productions.

Even Douglas’ attorney, Stan Hunterton, had refused to confirm his client’s remarks. “I have no comment. Everybody’s working hard until it’s finished,” he said.

Douglas, Johnson and The Mirage hotel and casino in Las Vegas are suing King in Nevada for breach of contract, asserting that King tried to overturn Buster’s defeat of Tyson in Tokyo.

King responded by suing The Mirage for its signing of Douglas to a two-fight contract despite an existing King-Douglas deal. He also sued Douglas and Johnson for breach of contract. The Nevada suit was stayed pending resolution of the other case.

King’s suit is in Manhattan, where Douglas was scheduled to take the stand today as the trial entered its third week. U.S. District Court Judge Robert W. Sweet sent the jurors home today, telling them both sides had asked for a day’s recess.