NEW YORK -- Mike Tyson, in line to challenge WBC and IBF champion Lennox Lewis, will fight Ray Mercer on Jan. 19.

The 10-round pay-per-view match was announced by Showtime on Tuesday. The site is yet to be determined, but Madison Square Garden and Atlantic City, N.J., have been mentioned.

In his first fight in a year, Tyson knocked out Brian Nielsen on Oct. 13 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"Mercer bangs hard and doesn't get knocked out," said Jay Larkin, who runs boxing for Showtime. "He's a serious test for anyone. Tyson believes he needs this level of competition to prepare to challenge for the title."

Tyson is ranked No. 1 by the WBC, and is in position for a mandatory challenge to Lewis which could happen in the spring.

Lewis regained the WBC and IBF titles by knocking Hasim Rahman in the fourth round Saturday night in Las Vegas.