New York — Mike Tyson couldn't wait.
Tyson and Lennox Lewis threw punches in a melee that abruptly halted a news conference Tuesday to announce their heavyweight title fight in April.
Tyson threw a left hook and a Lewis bodyguard went down, although it wasn't clear if Tyson connected. Lewis' overhand right apparently glanced off the top of Tyson's head, and Tyson had a cut at his hairline.
The fight, scheduled for April 6 in Las Vegas, must be licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which fined Tyson $3 million and revoked his license after he bit Evander Holyfield's ears in 1997. Tyson's license later was restored, but it has since expired and the commission will hold a hearing Jan. 29 on Tyson's request to grant him another one.
The news conference began when Tyson, wearing all black, including a leather hat, was introduced first. He strode onstage at the Hudson Theater, and then stared in the direction of where Lewis was supposed to appear. When the champion walked out, Tyson walked quickly toward him.
A Lewis bodyguard pushed Tyson and then touched him again. Tyson then threw the left hook and Lewis threw the right.
The two fighters then rolled briefly on the stage, which suddenly was filled with jumping, falling bodies and flying fists.
After things quieted down, Tyson walked to the front of the stage, and thrust his arms in the air in triumph. Someone shouted, "Put him in a straitjacket." Tyson then gestured at the man and cursed him.
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