Had to laugh at the antics of Tyson last night, but deep down I think he is a very disturbed man. We all know of his past - in jail at 12, the rape charge, biting etc - but he seems to be getting worse, what with the rape allegations hanging over him and his outburst after the punchup last night.

The Nevada Boxing Control (or whatever they're called) apparently meet on Tuesday next to discuss whether Tyson should be given a licence for the fight. I for one hope that they don't let him fight, and get him to sort himself out instead, but that's wishful thinking. The $$$$$s involved -$200+m?- and the business men behind the money will no doubt be scheming as we speak to ensure the payday is not disrupted.

Of course, if Nevada don't give him a licence somewhere else will step in sharply, I've already heard MSG in NY being suggested, and probably the NY boxing board will pass him as fit. I think he's one of the finest heavyweights ever, but scum nontheless. He should never be allowed to box again.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Answers

A Prat of the first order.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I agree with you Nick - I would never let him anywhere near a boxing ring again. His `career` should have been ended a long time ago.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

come on, its a big charade to sell tix.

I bet you thought the wrestling on itv in the 70's was real too

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I agree that the pantomime last night was a charade.

It`s not really that that I`m talking about. I couldn`t care less about boxing anymore - and I actually used to enjoy it. This business with Tyson and also the `greed` exhibited by the promoters is dispicable. Look at the message it gives out - besides the `money talks` message, which has risen over boxing like a huge putrid boil, what about the fact that the more violent(and I don`t mean boxing) and anti-social Tyson is, the more money he is capable of making. What kind of message is that giving out? All of this in a sport which is supposed to be strictly regulated.

Rant over.......(:o/

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Was it just me or did Lewis fill his trousers when Tyson went for him?

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I think you'll find that last night was anything but planned in advance.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

DId he poop his pants? Can't hold that against him IMO - a mad Mike Tyson running up at full tilt would make ME shit myself

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Tyson is more like a wild animal at times, and the occasions he speaks he regurgitates all the counselling / shrink talk he's heard over the years.

However, the blood spectacle and the gladatorial element to the sport has been ever increased. Theatrical and sanitised violence is so commonplace on the television that when we see someone (objectional as he is) who is genuinely incapable of self control performing it's a crowd puller. I don't believe there is any significant regulation of the professional sport any more, either. Don King put an end to that. And if the US has a problem in allowing the fight I'm sure there are a dozen countries who will gladly take it on.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I just hope Lennox knocks him out and shuts him up for good. Stumpy big bas*ard!

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I find Tyson repulsive and have for years. Though I don't feel it is entirely his fault. I think he's too thick to ever take care of himself and the blood-sucking leeches of the boxing world have taken advantage of him in the name of money. I think the upswing in violence as entertainment in general is rather sad.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

......it's more than sad, ciara - it's downright dangerous for society.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

As a boxer and a boxing fan I find the whole thing horribly depressing. The sport is under enough pressure and scrutiny from the political correctness police without scenes like this.

Dark days for those who love boxing...

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Ah bollocks to the lot of ya. Tyson is the only interesting thing in the world of boxing. Without him 'mixing it up', the whole thing would be drab and dull. There should be more biting and fisticuffs at press conferences.

And on a more serious note, I bet the guy gets loads of rape allegations from women who want to make some money by selling their stories. Not to say he didn't do it. But how could you tell? I mean, sex with Tyson is bound to leave you brused. How could you tell if she consented?

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

If the Nevada State Licensing Board decides not to give Tyson his licence then it is very unlikely he will fight in USA as the State licensing boards in USA have reciprocal agreements with each other. So if one state bans a boxer the rest of the states follow suit. Additionally if he was to fight abroad say the UK the PPV people would not be so interested - therefore the fight might be cancelled. Some psychologists reckon Tyson did it deliberately to avoid fighting Lewis - who definitely did not papper his troosers!

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Nick, I thought exactly the same thing way back when the initial allegations arose. The one he was convicted of raping wasn't the first girl to accuse him and in some cases they were unquestionably just trying to make a buck. I assumed that as soon as he was convicted she would immediately bring a civil suit and take him for millions. But as far as I'm aware she never did, she just quietly disappeared and got on with her life. Doesn't strike me as the actions of somebody out for a big pay day. Obviously we've got no idea what really happened in any of these instances, but given that we know he's a violent, disturbed, nasty individual who has already been convicted or rape there's a fair chance he has a case to answer this time.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

I take your reasoning regarding his guilt on the origional rape charge. But I don't see the relevence in this new allegation. He is an easy target for a dodgey rape allegation. More so because it was a dead cert that he was guilty last time. So I use your same argument back at you. Ju see?

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002

I used to box myself yrs ago and found the sport entertaining and enjoyable, however since the introduction of crooks like Don King , Barry Herne , etc and a million and one weight divisions and belts the sport is a complete farce.
I for one dont entirely blame Tyson for this latest debarcle as Lewis minder went for him 1st then lewis crushed a right hand onto Tysons head. Tyson did miss with a left hook which made me laugh. But Tyson should never have got his license back after the 1st time and the Ear biting incident .
So all in all I hope lewis kicks his sorry ass and why is tyson not up on racist charges after what he said to the Honkey journlaists, if that was a White footballer talking to a black journo wed never hear the last of it......

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002

I was speaking figuratively. Lewis's initial reaction was one of fear before he started throwing punches (and falling over). Might just show that he's not stupid but might also show that no fight might be what's best for him.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002

Nick, I don't disagree, as usual in these cases we'll probably never know for certain what happened. In Tysons case I'll be quite happy to accept that if eh's found guilty then he did actually do it though.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002