TalkingBoxing Articles
Tyson Returns Once Again, Have We Had Enough?
THU June 9, JULIUS STECKER - Many moons ago, Mike Tyson graced the ring with the greatest combination of speed and power that boxing heavyweight’s had ever seen. 'Iron Mike' was a modern day Jack Dempsey, a take no prisoners destroyer, who crushed all in his path. Tyson would obliterate fighters with brutal combination punching and destructive power, all of which earned him the reputation as the 'baddest man on the planet'.
Unfortunately for fight enthusiasts, that was over a decade ago, if not longer, and now have a pugilist who is a shadow of what he once was. Yet Tyson, who turns 39 later this month, has a huge following of loyal fans and still is the most popular and most media covered boxer in the world. Look no further than this Saturday when Tyson fights Kevin McBride on Showtime pay-per-view ($44.95) and the coverage this fight is recieving. Tyson's foray with McBride will probably be purchased by more homes than recent heavyweight title fights.
"I'm an international superstar, if they don't know my name they're from another planet," Tyson, 50-5, said at yesterday's final press conference and his statement is true, without question.
Why the average fan may ask is Tyson still on top of the sport? Well the reason is pretty simple, fans still and always will hold out a glimmer of hope, that one day, Tyson returns to form, and crushes boxing’s best heavyweights once again. Fans still have faith that Tyson will land that concussive shot, similar to the one in 1986 that had Trevor Berbick doing the crazy legs shuffle and Tyson going home with the WBC belt.
Now it's the year 2005 and Tyson has been knocked out in two of his last three fights, but still is a lead story on ESPN almost every night this week.
Fighting a guy by the name of Kevin McBride, who many people know nothing about and probably could care less about, Tyson is still a headline. McBride has said Tyson's career will end this time around telling TalkingBoxing.com, "I'm gonna take the fight to him, I'm gonna knock Mike Tyson out and prove that I'm a legitimate heavyweight."
McBride was brought in as nothing more than a tune-up and even the average 'Joe' knows that, but don't tell 'The Clones Colossus' that and for the fan's sake, Tyson needs the test or at least 100% of what McBride can bring.
McBride, who is a tough guy, standing at 6'6, is limited with good punching power, but moves like molasses and has a chin made of fine china. McBride is considered easy pickings for Mr. Tyson, even at his debilitated stage. The purpose of Saturday's pay-per-view is not because of Tyson’s opponent, it is Tyson himself that people want to see and it's the element of what he will do next that keeps people coming back. Hopefully a knockout will get Tyson going again.
Don’t mistake Tyson’s various, “Eat your children" rants for barbarianism as he knows that attitude sells, and Tyson is the ultimate salesman. However, there is a noted change in his demeanor and statements made to the press.
Leading up to this bout, Tyson seems to be a changed man and understands this is his final chance to secure a title shot, quite possibly against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, if he disposes of his next few opponents.
The new media darling in Tyson also knows that he has to spark up quotes and yesterday dropped this, "I'm gonna gut him like a fish." Toned down to say the least, but the fury still is there, enough to get the adrenaline going in his fans come fight night.
As the element of madness is there, a place in sports fans' hearts Tyson will remain. Not to be overlooked, Tyson also has a chance to earn five million a clip fighting the Kevin McBride’s of the world until he retires if he so chooses. It's not always about the money, but it helps, as Tyson attempts to commit himself to regaining a title.
If McBride lands one of his slow haymakers and connects, fans will have seen the last of 'Iron Mike', a fighter who is more confusing then any athlete of our time. Don’t bet on it though. Tyson has been training his tail off with top trainer Jeff Fenech and will win his tune-up this Saturday at Washington, D.C.'s MCI Center by second round knockout!
Tyson Workout Photos | McBride Q&A
Hatton Upsets Tszyu; Stakes Claim as Best at 140
Ricky Hatton has laid his claim to the best jr. welterweight in the world, clearing the way for some great possible match-ups in boxing's most talented division. Last Saturday night, Hatton put tremendous pressure on former champion Kostya Tszyu, forcing him to quit before the 12th round in front of 22,000 fans in Manchester, England on Showtime.
Hatton is the type of exciting fighter that boxing needs to have and has youth on his side at only 26-years of age. "The Hitman" showed he was an all action-fighter that forces the issue and would have no problems making new fans here in America with a IBF title defense.
Having him at the top will only help the sport, now opening the door to big fights between Hatton and the Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti winner, Miguel Cotto and Vivian Harris, assuming they get by this their upcoming opponents. Fight fans have something to be excited about.
Tszyu-Hatton Post-Fight Report
De la Hoya vs Quartey II Come this September?
First things first, I have heard nothing from either camp, but I have a hunch, that if Ike Quartey beats Verno Phillips on the HBO televised undercard of the Glen Johnson-Antonio Tarver re-match on June 18th, fans will see Oscar De la Hoya fighting Quartey on September 17th.
Think about this idea for a moment, it is a marketable fight for both and would be one that would set the record straight, as their first fight was so, so close. Add that with the fact that De La Hoya’s options are limited for a big fight this year, why not look for a Quartey rematch? The fight would make dollars and sense for both, at least in my opinion.
Email all comments and questions to jstecker@talkingboxing.com
