LENNOX LEWIS'S dream of once again ruling the heavyweight world hinges on tomorrow's Madison Square Garden date with American Ray Mercer.

But, only victory will bring his long waited showdown with WBC champion Mike Tyson later this year.

Mercer, who was in shape when he lost a 10 round decision to Evander Holyfield in his last fight in May 1995, was not in condition when he lost a 12 round decision to Larry Holmes in 1992 and a 10 round decision to Jesse" Ferguson in 1993. Both of those defeats cost him title shots.

Lewis shares the New York bill with two other former world heavyweight champions - Holyfield and Tim Witherspoon.