King Rahman denies Lennox insult

Hasim Rahman claimed today that he did not imply that former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis was "gay" during a press conference last week which ended with the pair brawling on the floor.

Lewis lost his cool during an interview session in Los Angeles to publicise their world title rematch after Rahman apparently made a reference to rumours surrounding the British boxer's sexuality.

But the two fighters were on their best behaviour at a London press conference today to promote the clash in Las Vegas on 17 November.

Bizarrely clad in regal robes, carrying a sceptre and topped with a crown, Rahman said he didn't have any regrets about the scenes in LA which have been dismissed by some commentators as a publicity stunt. But he said today: "I never accused Lennox Lewis of anything. That was the whole misunderstanding. I am just looking forward now to concentrating on the fight."

Lewis, meanwhile, said he had no regrets about the confrontation, which was carried live on American television. During today's conference, chaired by promoter Don King, Lewis tried to provoke Rahman, who caused a major upset by knocking the Briton out in their original bout in South Africa in April.

He said his opponent was lucky and claimed he would regain his crown.

"Hasim Rahman is going round thinking he is the king just because of one punch. He is living in a fantasy world.

"He does not belong in the same ring as me."