OF 2002
MOST RECENT NEWS ON TOP
MAY 31: Cotton expects no problems!
By George Mahl
It was announced last week that veteran New Jersey referee Eddie Cotton will be the third man in the ring for the Lewis-Tyson clash. Cotton told Fightnews that he doesn't think he'll have any trouble with either fighter come June 8. "I really think its going to be a good night, with someone getting knocked out. I really don't anticipate having any problems with Lewis nor Tyson." A foul-filled bout is nothing new to Cotton, who has officiated several of former contender Andrew Golota's fights in the past. "I've been in tough fights when Golota fouled out against Bowe [Dec. 1996]. In addition, I was in the ring when Andrew bit Sampson P' Oha's shoulder several years back." All in all, Cotton believes he is up to the challenge. "I think I may be a little nervous up until the bell rings...when the bell rings I'm the boss." (Fightnews)
Lewis, Tyson jet into town!
World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and challenger Mike Tyson will arrive by private jets in Memphis today for their June 8 clash. The fighters will establish camps at nearby casinos in Tunica, Mississippi. Lewis will train at Sam's Town, Tyson will train at Fitzgerald's, although they reportedly will stay in private homes. The fighters will be kept apart until the opening bell to avoid any further confrontations. (Fightnews)
MAY 30:
Fight fans can view the festivities surrounding the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson showdown on ESPNEWS. Here is the schedule:
June 4: Mike Tyson press conference/workout (noon ET)
June 5: Lennox Lewis press conference (2PM ET)
June 6: Weigh-in (Lewis 1PM ET, Tyson 4PM ET)
June 8: Post fight coverage immediately following the bout.
Dueling ring announcers!
Ring announcer Michael Buffer will introduce Lennox Lewis and counterpart Jimmy Lennon Jr. will introduce Mike Tyson when Lewis and Tyson collide for the heavyweight title on June 8 in Memphis. Buffer and Lennon will share the remainder of the announcing duties throughout the ten bout event. Lennon and Buffer previously worked together on a fight card at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1993 when Buffer introduced Michael Carbajal and Lennon introduced Humberto Gonzalez. (Fightnews)
Compubox Anaysis of Lewis-Tyson: The key to this fight is Lewis' jab. When Lennox throws 25 or more jabs per round, he's tough to beat. He averaged 31 per round in the first Holyfield fight and handled him easy. In the rematch, Lennox averaged 19 per round and made it a tougher fight. He averaged 27 in the rematch with Rahman after getting outjabbed in the first fight and he was ko'd.
If any fighter today has a puncher's chance, it's Tyson. He can bang with either hand, but needs to get close to do damage. Can he find his jab again and use it to offset Lewis' jab and allow him to get into punching range? Can he throw more than one punch at a time? He doesn't figure to land the big bomb on Lennox without throwing combinations. Will Lennox fight aggressively? He was criticized for not stepping it up vs. Holyfield I and Tua. Will he let Tyson in the fight by not following the jab with power shots? Tyson takes a good shot, how much will he take before looking for a way out? The feeling here is Tyson will be dangerous early, until Lewis' right hands begin finding their mark in the middle rounds leading to a stoppage. (Fightnews.com)
MAY 26: Sulaiman on Lewis-Tyson!
By Sandy "Fly Girl" Goldberg
WBC president, Jose Sulaiman recently spoke to Fightnews about the June 8 Lewis-Tyson megafight... or is it Tyson-Lewis?
On the Lewis-Tyson fight: "The WBC stood up for it by Tyson being elected as #1 contender at two conventions. The world wants to see it and it's our commitment to respond."
Prediction: "The first 2 to 3 rounds will be the most difficult. Tyson doesn't counterpunch so Lewis needs to be strong in the beginning. If either one of them wins easily, perhaps both will retire. Lennox wants to show immortality and doesn't want anyone to be able to say 'you didn't beat Tyson.' Otherwise, there will undoubtedly be a rematch."
On the famous Lewis-Tyson face off: "I was hit and projected onto a table. There was a BANG and I was KO'd. I don't remember much after that. The next thing I remember resting on the podium (as the ruckus continued). Tyson came at me and I told him to "take it easy" whereas he began insulting me and said "You're not with me" and other @#$!. I told him he was only hurting himself..." (NOTE: As a result of the incident, Sulaiman now suffers from a torn rotator cuff, a few teeth were damaged, there was an injury to his knee [he now walks with a cane], and he has constant pain in his neck and ears.) (Fightnews.com)
MAY 25: Lewis-Tyson judges named!
By Alessandro Ferrarini
It was already announced that American referee Eddie Cotton will be the third man on the ring when Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson duke it out on June 8 in Memphis, Tennessee. Now, the World Boxing Council and the Tennessee Commission appointed the three judges. Bob Logist from Belgium, Anek Hongtonkan from Thailand, and Alfred Bukwana from South Africa will score the fight. At the end, America, Asia, Africa and Europe will all be represented by the four officials, with Belgian citizen Bob Logist being the most experienced with more than 50 title fights in his career. (Fightnews.com)
MAY 23: (MAY 16): Lewis to go after Tyson
(MAY 21): Holyfield to Lewis: Be Aggressive
Eddie Cotton will referee the Lewis-Tyson fight on June 8. Cotton has been OK'd by the Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson camps, and Tennessee boxing authorities, but still must apply for a Tennessee license. (Fightnews.com)
MAY 22: Lewis cancels press event!
Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis abruptly cancelled a teleconference call with press. Reporters were told that the cancellation was due to Lewis' wishes to be completely focused on training for his defense of the world heavyweight championship against Mike Tyson on June 8. A statement from Lewis read, "I'm sorry that I can't join the media today on the conference call. I look forward to speaking to everyone at my fight week press conference in Memphis."
MAY 17: Steward: McKinley in charge!
Lennox Lewis trainer Emanuel Steward took a shot at new Mike Tyson trainer Ronnie Shields saying it's co-trainer Stacey McKinley running things. "The guy that has been the head trainer for years and never gets the credit is Stacey McKinley...It is up to Shields to decide whether or not he can get along with McKinley. McKinley has been the real force behind Tyson for quite a while. Even though they bring a lot of head trainers, McKinley has been the one." Steward admits that "Tyson has a very good staff over there right now [Shields, McKinley and Mike McCallum]. With Tyson bringing in those guys, it has brought me to another level in terms of respect, and, to some degree, a little fear. I think it moved Tyson to a different level. Before, Tyson had a lot of people around whom I did not respect." As for Steward's accessment of the Lewis-Tyson fight, Manny said, "It is the same old line that every trainer says. Everything is great and my fighter is looking good. He is in good shape, and is going to knock Tyson out." (Fightnews.com)
Announce team for Lewis-Tyson!
Showtime and HBO have announced that a telecast team consisting of both Showtime and HBO talent will work the pay-per-view telecast of the June 8 world heavyweight championship showdown between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. Announcing will be Jim Lampley, Bobby Czyz, James Brown and Jim Gray. (Fightnews.com)
MAY 16: Compare these two quotes from Emanuel: "...But now I'm glad to see him upset. Lennox was a street thug. Rahman has rekindled that in him again. You will see a different side of Lennox. I'm glad he's stimulated. Lennox will bring back some sizzle to the heavyweight division. This fight will determine his spot in history." (After the pre-fight scuffles with Rahman, Nov 4, 2001)
"Lennox has problems with people he does not respect. "His two losses were because of that. Tyson he respects, but he totally wants to beat him. We worry about him actually attacking Mike. I'm seriously worried about that and that we may get disqualified." (May 7, 2002)
The question that we must ask: Are we going to see the same intensity in Lennox come June 8 that we witnessed on Nov 17th 2001?
MAY 15: What if Lewis & Tyson just box?
Lewis on Tyson: 'definitely a puppy with some problems'
Inside the Lewis Camp! (Fightnews)
Tim Witherspoon's prediciton on the Lewis-Tyson fight:
"I heard that Lennox is in real good shape. Lennox has gotten hit a couple of times just from being careless. Mike can hit you at anytime and knock you out. But on the other hand so can Lennox. The way I am viewing this fight is whoever gets their shot in first. Both of them will be in shape, I am sure of that. I have heard Lennox is in real good shape. Whoever gets their shot in first might be the one that wins that fight."
MAY 10: Tyson: I wish Lewis was dead! Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has continued his controversial remarks. On Friday, Iron Mike said "I wish he was dead...I wish I could kill him, now," when asked what he thinks about Lennox Lewis. During the interview with SKY television, Tyson added. "I don't think anything positive or nice about him." Tyson faces Lewis for the heavyweight hampionship on June 8 in Memphis. (Fightnews.com)
MAY 9: Lennox and Mike's trainers speak out! (Fightnews)
MAY 7: Lewis: Tyson an imbecile! Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has called June 8 opponent Mike Tyson "ignorant, arrogant and an imbecile." The champion said he's paid little attention to Tyson's threats to kill him in the ring. "He should watch what he says," said Lewis from his training camp in the Poconos. "His words certainly don't upset me but they might upset his kids when they hear them on TV...some of the things he's been saying make him sound like a cartoon character to me. When he was incarcerated he said he was reading books. Seems to me he must have been reading comic books...I'm definitely not afraid of Mike Tyson. I'm the best there is." (Fightnews.com)
MAY 6: Tyson pounds sparmates, press!: Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson does not miss a beat as he jumps rope during a workout Saturday. Afterward, co-trainers Stacey McKinley and Ronnie Shields reported that Tyson, who started camp two weeks ago with six sparring partners, is down to one. "We may need 25 more by the time we are finished," McKinley said. Among heavyweights known to have been in the Tyson camp are Leroy Seals, Corey Sanders, Stacy Adams and Derrick Jefferson.
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Iron Mike has unleashed some controversial and distasteful comments toward visiting press at his Maui training site in recent days. Tyson stated, "I wish one of you guys had children so I could kick them in the f---ing a-- and stomp on their testicles so you could feel my pain." He also told a female reporter, "I normally don't do interviews with women unless I forn----- with them." Meanwhile, Tyson's June 8 opponent, world champion Lennox Lewis has been training outside the media spotlight in the Poconos. (Fightnews.com)
Tyson explains bite comment!: As co-trainers Ronnie Shields and Stacey McKinley look on, a fit and trim Mike Tyson prepares for what McKinley termed as "yet another fantastic workout" Friday in Maui. Tyson also clarified a recent statement he made about biting Lennox Lewis during a press conference melee in New York. "I said I bit Lennox because that is what everyone wanted to hear. I will say anything to get under his skin. But on June 8, flesh will not be enough. I will take Lennox's title, his soul and smear his pompous brains all over the ring when I hit him." (Fightnews.com)
APRIL 12: LEWIS & TYSON CAMPS PREPARE FOR WAR: Mike Tyson will be prepared for his June 8 showdown with Lennox Lewis by respected trainer Ronnie Shields, who recently prepped Vernon Forrest for his big win over Shane Mosley. Shields, who was hired by Tyson advisor Shelly Finkel, arrives at the Tyson camp in Maui on Saturday and opens camp Monday according to the NY Post.
Lewis will arrive in the Pocono Mountains this weekend to begin training camp for his June 8 showdown against former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, it was announced today by Lewis�f co-promoters Lion Promotions and Main Events. With the exception of four bouts, Lewis has trained exclusively in the Pennsylvania mountain range since 1992. "When I enter the ring to fight Mike Tyson on June 8, I will be in the best shape of my life," said Lewis. "And I look forward to vanquishing him [Tyson] from the sport of boxing." (Fightnews)
APRIL 11: Excerpts from Fightnews interview w/ Kirk Johnson: His prediction for the winner of Tyson vs. Lewis: I haven�t made my last decision, but if they were fighting right now, I would tell you that it is a fifty/fifty fight. I do not know but I would like to fight both those guys. I would like to fight the winner and also I would like to fight the loser for the simple fact that no matter who wins or loses, they�ve both still got a great name.
His thoughts on an all Canadian showdown with Lennox Lewis: What do you mean he�s Canadian? I respect Lennox a lot. He moved to Canada when he was thirteen years old and if he says he�s from Britain, I agree with that. He�s part Canadian too; he won a gold medal for us. To have a showdown with Lennox would be a great honor, but I don�t consider myself as a representative of Canada. I am Kirk Johnson, a Canadian and I�m a true Canadian because I am a citizen of Canada. I can�t say I�m a true Canadian and Lennox isn�t. Wherever Lennox says he�s from, that�s where he�s from.
MAR 25: Just in: Lewis-Tyson is on! It is on. Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson for the WBC/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship is set for pay per view on June 8, from The Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tenn at 9PM ET/6PM PT. "Lewis-Tyson is the match up the whole world has been waiting for. I am confident I will cement my legacy when I dispose of Tyson on June 8," said Lewis. Tyson said, "On June 8, I guarantee I will knock Lewis out and regain my heavyweight championship." Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton said, "Memphis is elated to be the host city of this great sporting event." The bout is presented by Lion Promotions, Main Events and Mike Tyson Enterprises and the showdown will be co-produced and co-distributed by HBO and Showtime. The executive producers of the telecast will be Rick Bernstein and Jay Larkin. (Fightnews.com)
MAR 21:All signs point to Memphis! All indications are that the Lewis-Tyson super fight will land in Memphis. Fight organizers are scheduled to return to the Tennessee city for another meeting tomorrow and Tyson advisor Shelly Finkel is on the record as saying there are "no negatives" regarding the proposed Memphis deal with Nashville-based promoter Brian Young. The Memphis Appeal newspaper is reporting that one of the fighters' camps is already researching room-block availability for hotel reservations. The paper also reported that Tunica casinos could serve as camps for the fighters, buy tickets and participate as sponsors. The fight contract stipulates that details must be set by Monday. Meanwhile, if the fight fails to materialize, the Washington Times is reporting that promoter Don King is working on a possible pay-per-view event that would feature Lennox Lewis vs IBF #1 Chris Byrd, WBA titlist John Ruiz vs WBA #1 Kirk Johnson, and former champs Evander Holyfield vs Hasim Rahman. (Fightnews.com)
Excerpt from interview with trainer Curtis Cokes:
How do
you think Kirk measures against the other champions and top contenders?
"Kirk is in the mix with all the other top heavyweights. There is
not a great heavyweight out there today. Lennox Lewis is probably closest
to being considered great, but he is not that great. Mike Tyson is just
a mediocre fighter now and his skills have diminished a quite a bit during
the years."
What would
happen if Kirk met Chris Byrd?
"He would beat Chris but we will not fight him. We would want to
fight Lennox to unify the belts. Chris Byrd is not in our plans."
When Kirk
fights Lennox, what will be the game plan and how will you formulate that
plan?
"That fight is a long way off, but I don't think Kirk would have
any problems with Lewis. You know, Lennox is the type of guy that, if
you hem him up, he is dangerous. But, if you box him in the middle of
the ring, he is not as dangerous. I study these top guys and I know who
is dangerous and who is not. If you jump on Lennox, he is very scary and
he will hurt you."
What would
be the game plan if you fought Lennox?
"Kirk would box his ears off. He would not go in there and exchange
punches with Lennox because he is a big, tall guy and, if you hit Lewis
with a shot and hurt him, he might hit you with a shot that would KO you
like he did Frank Bruno."
How would
Kirk fight Wladimir Klitschko?
"We would box him to death. He is a guy that is fundamentally sound
and does everything by the book. You can't do that in boxing. You have
to have something unique that nobody else knows about. We would pick Wladimir
apart. He does not have the hand speed or the movement of Kirk and we
would beat him."
Who would
win if Lennox fought Wladimir?
"Lennox would. You see, Lennox Lewis is on a roll right now but there
will be a time when we will step in and dominate Lennox. He has about
3 more fights and he will decline."
What is
your opinion of Manny Steward?
"Manny is a good trainer. You have to give him credit. He has done
a heck of a job with Lennox and helped him improve his right hand. Because
of Kronk and their reputation, Manny has had the cream of the crop. But
I have never seen him take a guy and develop him from scratch. All the
good fighters go there, but one day they will all come here."
Do you
think that Kirk Johnson is capable of winning the Heavyweight Championship
and defending it many times so as to have an undefeated record?
"There are a lot of people who can beat Kirk Johnson. I don't think
anybody will ever equal Rocky Marciano's record. Nobody is that good. "(Fightnews.com)
MAR 16: Lewis extends Tyson deadline!: The Lennox Lewis camp has given the Mike Tyson camp until March 25 to finalize their proposed June 8 matchup. March 25 is also the date the IBF said the fight must be set. A marathon Thursday meeting involving the two camps and their repective networks (HBO and Showtime) was called "fruitful" by Lewis attorney Alex English in the Washington Post. The Post reports that during the meeting the Lewis camp sought an extra $2.5 million if Lewis is fouled by Tyson during the fight (rejected by Team Tyson), compensation for the New York press conference melee where Lewis claims he was bit by Tyson and the removal of former Riddick Bowe manager Rock Newman from all involvement in the fight. Newman has agreed to step back.(Fightnews.com)
MAR 9: If Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis isn't a done deal by Friday, a clause in the contract allows the champion to walk away. The Washington DC Commission will vote on issuing Tyson a license on Tuesday. Lewis has already applied for a DC license. (Fightnews.com)
MAR 5: Tennessee OKs Tyson license!: Mike Tyson's application for a boxing license in Tennessee has been approved and Iron Mike will receive his Tennessee license today. Promoter Brian Young is seeking to stage the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson bout at the 20,500-seat Pyramid in Memphis. Meanwhile, Tyson may appear privately before the Washington DC commission prior to their March 12 meeting and Team Tyson is also seeking a license to fight in Michigan. (Fightnews.com)
FEB 26: IBF exception terms released!
The conditions of the exception request granted by the IBF to Lennox Lewis allowing him to defend against WBC #1 Mike Tyson before facing IBF #1 Chris Byrd are as follows:
1. The winner of Lewis-Tyson must fight Chris Byrd next, with no intervening bout and no later than December 8.
2. Tyson must be licensed and a host venue must be in place for Tyson-Lewis by March 25.
3. If it appears Lewis-Tyson will not take place, Lewis must begin negotiations with Byrd immediately.
4. Byrd will be permitted one or more interim fights, but a loss will KO his mandatory position.
5. There will be no further exceptions granted.
6. Neither the Lewis-Tyson winner or Byrd shall engage in a fight after October 8.
Note: Byrd has ten days to appeal.
(Fightnews.com)