Vitali is the WBC's No. 1 contender

Lennox Lewis will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Vitali Klitschko next April in America, according to the Ukrainian's promoter.

Klaus-Peter Kohl said the fight will take place in the United States either on 12 April or one week later.

Las Vegas is the favourite to host the showdown, but Madison Square Garden in New York City is also in the frame.

"We just had to clear some details but now it is definite," said Kohl on his organisation's website, www.boxing.de.

"The only thing left open to decide is where the fight will take place.

Kohl added he had reached a deal with Lewis' promoters despite "disturbances" from Don King.

Lewis, 37, appeared to be wavering last week between fighting Klitschko or signing up to fight for King.

The Briton denied that he had signed for any fight and said he could wait until the spring before deciding who he wants to face.

Lewis has not fought since beating Mike Tyson in Memphis in June.

The three-time world champion has declared his desire to round off his career by fighting Klitschko, Tyson again and then the Ukrainian's brother Wladimir.

Vitali Klitschko has lost just one of his 32 fights, that coming via an injured shoulder when challenging American Chris Byrd for the WBO title in April 2000.