London’s Calling and Lewis Answers Bell Against Botha

LONDON — In Lennox Lewis’ idea of a perfect world, an arena packed with his adoring countrymen would be watching him defend the undisputed heavyweight title tonight against Francois Botha.

Oh, and no one would mention Mike Tyson’s name.

Unfortunately for Lewis, things aren’t so perfect as he takes on Botha in a scheduled 12-round fight that will settle two pieces of the now-fractured heavyweight title.

He’s no longer the undisputed heavyweight champion, thanks to a court ruling. And the public is not exactly swarming the ticket windows to pay some heavyweight prices to see their native son in what is likely his last title defense in England.

Then there’s Tyson, whose fight in Scotland and subsequent comments about eating Lewis’ children only three weeks ago threatened to overshadow what Lewis thought would be a triumphant homecoming.

It’s all very irritating for the 34-year-old who most consider the true heavyweight champion, but seems to get less respect in his birthplace than the more affable Frank Bruno.

Lewis will, at least, fight a man who fought Tyson when he meets Botha at the London Arena to defend the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation belts he holds.

Lewis (36-1-1, 28 knockouts), coming off a second-round knockout of Michael Grant that cost him the World Boxing Assn. version of the title because he wasn’t fighting the top-ranked contender, gets another fringe heavyweight in his defense against Botha (42-2-1, 25 KOs).

In an odd sidelight, the referee will be Larry O’Connell, the British judge who scored the first fight between Lewis and Evander Holyfield a draw in a fight most thought Lewis won last year in New York.

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The Facts

* What: WBC and IBF heavyweight championship fight

* Who: Champion Lennox Lewis vs. Francois Botha

* Where: London

* When: 9 tonight (delayed), HBO