Tourism officials in the Philippines say they want to host a heavyweight fight between Mike Tyson and title-holder Lennox Lewis to be promoted as a repeat of what was called the "Thrilla in Manila" between boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

That classic title fight 27 years ago is considered one of the best and most brutal title fights ever. Meeting for the third time, Ali won when Frazier failed to answer the bell for the 15th round.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said Saturday his country is serious about the idea to promote the country with another big fight to show the world that well-publicized security struggles with Muslim extremists are limited to only a part of the Philippines, and that the rest of the country is peaceful.

Tyson and Lewis were scheduled to fight in Las Vegas in April until Nevada boxing officials denied Tyson a boxing license to fight in the state.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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