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Rematch Not Backed by WBC

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Associated Press

The World Boxing Council will not sanction an immediate rematch between Hasim Rahman and Lennox Lewis as a heavyweight championship fight.

Mike Tyson dropped a suit he filed in Manhattan on May 4 against the WBC to make it enforce its rule against immediate rematches.

The WBC’s decision also prevents Lewis from winning the WBC title should he fight Rahman next.

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The decision was the result of Tyson dropping his suit, and it was filed in a stipulation in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on Thursday.

“I am grateful that the WBC is standing by their rules by not sanctioning an immediate rematch between Mr. Rahman and Mr. Lewis,” Tyson said in a statement.

The WBC decision does not prevent a rematch and if Rahman wins, he would still be champion. If Lewis wins, the title would be declared vacant and the two highest available contenders would fight for the championship. Tyson is ranked No. 1 by the WBC.

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