Heavyweight world stunned by defeat

"The truth is that Rahman is capable of losing to anyone he fights."

The crucial question is: who gets to Rahman first?

Maloney will seek an answer this week when he and Lewis's business manager, Adrian Ogun, sit down with the lawyers who drew up the contract for the fight.

It was known, even before the bout billed as 'Thunder in Africa' began, that there was a clause calling for a Thunder II if Lewis lost. But there was an ominous tone to Maloney's voice as he warned: "Anything can happen in this sport. Boxing is a funny game and I just hope the lawyers have done their job right."

Dismissing any thoughts of retirement, even though his 36th birthday is looming, Lewis demanded the rematch be made as soon as possible.

"Rahman won this round but I will be back," he said. "For me to quit now would be a mistake. I've always imagined myself going out on top, and that's definitely what I'll be doing - going out on top."

But what if Rahman's lawyers believe the small print of the vital contract allows their man to take on another opponent before any rematch? And what if that opponent was Tyson, rated the No1 title challenger by the WBC?

Kery Davis, boxing czar of the American HBO television network who bankroll Lewis, admitted he has yet to secure a deal with Rahman.

That makes him a likely target for a lucrative offer from HBO's rivals, Showtime, who have Tyson in their camp - and don't forget the reason that Tyson and Lewis have yet to fight is their allegiance to different broadcasters.

Should Rahman deliver himself as a sacrificial lamb - albeit an extremely well-rewarded one - to Showtime and Tyson, Lewis's hopes of getting a new title shot are slim.

King promotes John Ruiz, holder of the World Boxing Association championship stripped from Lewis nearly two years ago.

Ruiz is set to defend his belt against Evander Holyfield in China this year and King, desperate to retain an influence on the heavyweight scene now that he is no longer involved with Tyson, is unlikely to let the more powerful Lewis anywhere near the winner.

Davis, whose two leading boxers, Lewis and Naseem Hamed, managed to suffer defeats within 14 days of each other, said: "This has thrown the heavyweight division all topsy-turvy.

"Obviously, the most money Rahman can make in the ring is a fight against Lennox or Mike Tyson. And, obviously, I think the Lennox Lewis fight is the one that makes most sense.

"Would we prefer to go straight away to a rematch? Absolutely. Lennox gave Rahman his opportunity, and Rahman says he wants to repay Lennox. Rahman seems like an honourable man, but I don't know the contractual terms between Lewis and Rahman. That is something we'll find out in the next few days."

It will be a nervous wait for all involved.