Tyson back in Valley, eyes possible June bout
Norm Frauenheim
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 6, 2005 12:00 AM
The comeback trail, Mike Tyson's longest journey, starts all over again this week at Central Boxing for a possible fight in June.
"This is home," said a relaxed Tyson, who returned to the old gym on west Van Buren Street with a new trainer in former featherweight champ Jeff Fenech and some newfound hope at resurrecting a career that was seemingly halted last summer by a loss to unknown Danny Williams.
Tyson and Fenech, an Australian, mentioned two possible opponents: Kevin McBride (32-4-1, 27 KOs) of Brockton, Mass., and Bob Mirovic (25-14-2, 16 KOs) of Australia. advertisement
McBride was supposed to be Tyson's opponent last July, but he was replaced by Williams because McBride wanted more money than promoters were willing to pay.
For Tyson (50-5, 44 KOs), the switch was costly. The former heavyweight champ lost in the fourth round and suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Tyson, 38, said his knee is fine.
Negotiations are being handled by Tyson's adviser, Shelly Finkel, who is expected to be in the Valley Friday for the pro debut of 2004 Olympian Vanes Martirosyan at Fort McDowell Casino on a card featuring Phoenix middleweight prospect Jesus Gonzales.
Tyson's next fight is one step in a plan to get out of debt. Fenech, who replaces Freddie Roach as his trainer, said he hopes to keep him busy.
"I'd like to fight in June and then again in August," said Tyson, who has fought only four times since a bout with Andrew Golota in October 2000 was recorded as no-contest.
If he can get his career back on track, rich possibilities include James Toney and even a third fight with Evander Holyfield, who lost part of his ear on the infamous night when Tyson bit him.
At a Muhammad Ali fund-raiser on Saturday at the Arizona Biltmore, Holyfield, 42, said he did not plan to retire.
"Tyson is the best fight out there for me," said Holyfield, who has lost his past three fights.
vbcompany