Lewis foe says he will not fight outside the US

Lennox Lewis plans to make his next world heavyweight title defence on April 21 in South Africa. But the British fighter's next foe is saying he will not fight outside the United States.

Hasim Rahman said the Lewis' camp is premature in saying they will accept the invitation of Nelson Mandela to stage the bout in Johannesburg. He was originally told the fight would be in Las Vegas and that's what he expects.

"Only in America," Rahman said. "Not South Africa, England or anywhere else. I'm only fighting in the USA. It's as simple as that."

Steve Nelson, Rahman's co-manager, said telecaster HBO has site approval for the fight as has not given approval to conduct the bout in South Africa.

"One hundred percent no deal," Nelson said. "Lewis can't unilaterally make a decision to place the fight in South Africa. HBO must approve the site and they're not inclined to go overseas if they can avoid it."

World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation champion Lewis is 35-1 with one drawn and 27 knockouts. Rahman is 34-2 and the IBF's fouth-rated challenger. He also is not surprised by the Lewis move.

"I'm not a naive guy," Rahman said. "I had a feeling they would pull something like this."