THE TROUBLED career of Mike Tyson has hit another hitch, with an injury picked up in training forcing the postponement of his May 3rd rematch with Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas.

The promoter Don King has provisionally rescheduled the fight which will decide the destination of the World Boxing Association heavyweight title. Holyfield won the title by stopping Tyson in the 11th round of their first meeting on June 28th, 1996, in Las Vegas.

At a news conference Tyson said he had been cut above the left eye during sparring. Although he had hoped to be fit in time, the cut had not healed sufficiently.

Tyson's doctor, Barry Markham, said the injury was caused by a head butt and had required 12 stitches. Despite the apparent authenticity of the injury, there have been whispers around the Tyson camp suggesting that his preparations have been less than perfect, and that his dedication is not at the 100 per cent mark.

The rumour factory would have it - that Tyson's finger, once more, is hovering close to the self destruct button. While it is impossible to substantiate any stories of high living prior to the fight, the bookmakers William Hill reflected a growing concern by slashing the odds against Holyfield successfully defending his title.

Holyfield is now quoted at 5 to 4, having opened at 7 to 4, with Tyson the 7 to 4 on favourite, easing from a prohibitive 5 to 2 on. Bearing in mind the battering Tyson took in their first meeting, after this latest injury, his favouritism remains surprising.

The contest was to have been part of the pay per view "Judgment Day 2" extravaganza, screened by BSkyB. Naseem Hamed's defence of his world featherweight titles against Billy Hardy in Manchester is also on the bill.

Last night, a spokesman for Frank Warren's company Sports Network Europe said that the bill at the Nynex Arena in Manchester would go ahead as planned.

The World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, was due to have learned where and when he will defend his title against fellow British fighter Henry Akinwande, but now purse bids by rival promoters will not be opened until Sunday.

Don King has cancelled an offer of £5 million to stage the fight. If he gets his way, the fight could be on June 21st in Las Vegas.