Lennox Lewis' promoter Panos Eliadis: "I don't know if we want to recognise the IBF as an organisation"

The 34-year-old Briton retained his World Boxing Council title and took Evander Holyfield's World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles with a unanimous points victory in Las Vegas.

But the $300,000 cheque covering the IBF sanctioning fee was rejected just before the rematch, technically leaving the title vacant.

IBF president Bob Lee, who is under indictment for allegedly accepting money to fix fighters' rankings, gave no reason for the decision.

Holyfield took the belt into the ring but there was no sign of it once the fight had ended and Lewis left the arena without it.

The wrangle marred a perfect night for Lewis.

His promoter Panos Eliadis said: "If they don't recognise Lennox, I don't think we want to recognise the IBF.

"It doesn't surprise me with the people involved. Until these people are put out of boxing or shot, this will keep happening."

Lou DiBella, of US boxing broadcaster HBO, added: "There's a reason they are in trouble and they keep showing why they are in trouble. What this tells me is we shouldn't be paying any attention to the IBF."

Lennox Lewis' manager Frank Maloney expresses his delight at the victory

However, Holyfield made no reference to the dispute over the belt and it seems unlikely anyone will contest Lewis's claim to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

But it could be weeks before the dispute is resolved as the sport tries to untangle a complex situation.

The Lewis camp is thought to have been told there was a problem with the cheque a minute before the fight caused by confusion over the IBF's charter.

Fight promoter Don King defended the IBF, saying they had been denied money.