Boxing

Rock Newman, manager for Riddick Bowe, said that mandated challenger Lennox Lewis has turned down two offers for a heavyweight championship fight.

Frank Maloney, Lewis’ manager, said he was offended by Newman’s purse offer of $3 million for Lewis. Maloney said Lewis wants at least $5 million or 25% of the purse.

Newman said Bowe’s first title defense would be a television special timed to take place during halftime of the NFL’s Super Bowl championship with another fight to come in March. Probable opponents for either of those fights are Alex Garcia, Michael Dokes and Alex Stewart, said Newman, who added that the third bout would be in May or June most likely against Ray Mercer.