Professor of Law Alan M. Dershowitz last night refused to confirm reports that he will represent former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Mike Tyson on his appeal of a rape conviction.

Reports stating Dershowitz would defend the boxer were first made Friday night on the ABC News Program 20/20, and were later aired by several local television stations.

On Thursday night, Dershowitz discussed the case during an appearance on the Dennis Miller Show. At that time, Dershowitz said the verdict was "unjust" since the court did not allow three witnesses to testify on Tyson's behalf.

But in an interview with The Crimson last night Dershowitz said he would not comment on the case.

"I'm not ready to speak about it," he said.

Dershowitz is no stranger to han- dling high-profile criminal cases. Hissuccessful appeal of wealthy socialite Claus vonBulow's conviction on attempted murder charges wasthe subject of the film Reversal ofFortune. Dershowitz has also represented JimBakker and Leona Helmsley.

Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis February 10for the July assault of 19-year old DesireeWashington, a former Miss Black Americacontestant. He will be sentenced March 27.

The team currently representing Tyson is led byprominent Washington attorney Vincent J. Fuller,who garnered national attention for defending JohnHinckley when he was tried for the 1981 attemptedassassination of Ronald Reagan