Boxing

Lennox Lewis of England was named the World Boxing Council heavyweight champion. Riddick Bowe, who dethroned Evander Holyfield on Nov. 13, relinquished the WBC version of the title but remains champion of the World Boxing Assn. and International Boxing Federation.

Lewis announced that he will make his first defense April 24 in London, probably against Tony Tucker.

Lewis stopped Donovan (Razor) Ruddock in two rounds in London on Oct. 31 in what the WBC billed as a title elimination bout. The WBC stipulated that the winner of the Bowe-Holyfield fight must make a first defense against Lewis.

No deal could be worked out, and Bowe will fight Michael Dokes on Feb. 6 in Madison Square Garden.