A Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield world heavyweight title unification match may yet go ahead in the New Year, if the two camps can reach a deal when they meet with promoter Don King in Miami on Saturday.

Holyfield, who will command the larger share of the purse, has been demanding in excess of $30 million according to some sources. Lewis is prepared to settle for much less and his manager Frank Maloney was optimistic an agreement could be reached.

Maloney will threaten an alternative fight against Shannon Briggs if a deal cannot be struck. But the defeat of Orlin Norris by Henry Akinwande in last weekend's WBA title eliminator has removed the biggest potential stumbling block as Holyfield was legally bound to give priority to a fight against Norris before taking on Lewis.