Is Lennox ready for the wedding ring?

Has a former model succeeded where Mike Tyson failed, by bringing world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis to his knees? Or at least to one knee in a proposal of marriage.

Lewis, who has always been highly protective of his private life, was today saying nothing about reports that he is to put the seal on his long-term relationship with girlfriend Aisha Mike, an American singer, by getting married later this year.

The pair have been together since 1998, when they met on a photo-shoot. Aisha has been seen in the crowd at Lewis fights in New York and the couple were spotted celebrating the Millennium together in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Until now, Lewis has put all thoughts of settling down on the back burner while he concentrated on his boxing career. The multi-millionaire once said: "I would love to have kids, but the boxing demands some sacrifices and marriage is on hold while I'm fulfilling my mission in the ring."

However, after confirming his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time with his victory over Tyson, the 36-year-old London-born fighter may at last be ready to swap the ringside bell for wedding bells.

Lewis's business manager, Adrian Ogun, refused to confirm that Lewis was about to marry. He smiled and said "no comment" to questions about Lewis's family future.

Speaking about their relationship for the first time, Aisha dismissed the rumours that circulate in boxing that Lewis is gay.

The Brooklyn-born soul singer said: "Lennox wants to get married and have children. Everyone wants that - and Lennox loves children. He is not gay. He is a beautiful person. And he is very secure about his manhood." Lewis, who pocketed £15million for the fight, has said he thinks he will be "a great dad" and that he dreams about how he will bring up his children.

A friend said: "Lennox and Aisha are very close. I wouldn't be surprised if they start planning a wedding very soon."

The couple split briefly last September because their careers kept them apart, but they patched things up and their relationship appears stronger than ever.

Lewis's victory over Tyson was watched by celebrities including actors Samuel L Jackson and Denzil Washington, and the boxer is now favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Tyson, on the other hand, although he took a £17 million share of the fight purse, is reported to be begging for a rematch to help him pay off debts.

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Lewis told: Quit now