Boxing: Lewis' date fixed with Akinwande

Lennox Lewis's World Boxing Council heavyweight championship defence against his fellow Briton Henry Akinwande has been confirmed for Atlantic City on 12 July.

After lengthy negotiations, agreement was finally been reached between Lewis's handlers, Panos Eliades and the New Jersey-based Main Events, and Akinwande's promoter, Don King.

The fight will be shown in Britain at midnight on Sky TV and will run on from a promotion in this country featuring the British featherweight champion, Paul Ingle. Lewis will have a part share of a promotion which could net him in excess of pounds 2m, while the King-Akinwande package will be pounds 1.25m.

Atlantic City is a happy hunting ground for the 31-year-old Lewis, winning three of his fights in the New Jersey gambling resort. Lewis regained the title by defeating a mentally confused Oliver McCall in Las Vegas in February. The unbeaten London-born Akinwande, also 31, has relinquished his World Boxing Organisation crown for this chance as the official WBC's mandatory contender.