Tyson calls off Mercer fight

Mike Tyson has called off his fight with fellow American Ray Mercer on January 19th to leave the way clear for a world heavyweight…

Mike Tyson has called off his fight with fellow American Ray Mercer on January 19th to leave the way clear for a world heavyweight title showdown with champion Lennox Lewis.

"This is a business, and I am sure Ray understands why I need to take Lennox out now," Tyson, 35, said in a statement on Friday.

"The heavyweight championship is my destiny, and I need those belts on my waist again," said Tyson who last held the title in 1996 and last fought for it against Evander Holyfield in 1997.

"So keep taking those acting lessons, Lennox, because your next role will be playing Cinderella," said Tyson. "And I am gonna break your glass chin."