19 November 2006
EXCLUSIVE: TYSON'S COMING
Williams to bring former champ to London
By Steve Royce
MIKE TYSON is set for a stunning return to British boxing early next year.
The world's youngest ever heavyweight champion will take part in an exhibition fight on February 3 at a venue in London as part of his world tour.
The plan to bring Tyson back to Britain has been put together by his former sparring partner Derek "Sweet D" Williams, who wants to put the fallen fighter on his first show next year.
"I'm convinced that a deal can be done and that Tyson will be part of my ninth show on February 3," said Williams.
"I've spoken with members of Mike's team and the feedback is very positive and I believe that's because I know him.
"I sparred with Mike before his first-round demolition of Carl 'The Truth' Williams in Atlantic City in 1989.
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"He was devastating in the ring before that fight and it was not easy surviving the full course, but I did.
"I stuck it out day after day and a lot of guys just quit and I think that will help me when it comes to persuading Mike to come here."
Williams held both the European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and in 1993 was stopped in the third round by Lennox Lewis. Since retiring from fighting in 1999 he has worked in the media business and two years ago he started promoting his own boxing shows.
"The plan was for Mike to appear on my show at the Fusion Leisure Centre [Elephant and Castle] on December 2 but I've run out of time," claimed Williams.
"That show will go ahead but it's the big one next year when I know I can add Mike Tyson's name to the list of fighters that will be on the show that will be the big one.
"As far as I'm concerned Tyson remains one of boxing's biggest attractions and I still believe that he has something to offer in the heavyweight division."
Last month Tyson took part in his first three-round exhibition and he plans five more before making the decision on whether he will actually box again in a competitive fight.
"I need to fall back in love with boxing before I return to the ring for a real fight," said Tyson.
"I've had a lot of offers to fight all over the world and I'm not ruling any of them out just yet because right now I truly don't know what I'm going to do."
In 2000 Tyson fought twice in Britain and late last year and early this year he took part in a speaking tour in various UK cities.
"Mike has always loved the British public and the British have always loved Mike and I'm going to do my best to put them together again," added Williams.
"He is one of the greatest fighters in history and if I can get him on my show I'm convinced it will be a great boost for British boxing."
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Er will noch 5 Showfights machen und sich dann entscheiden, ob er wieder boxen will.
EXCLUSIVE: TYSON'S COMING
Williams to bring former champ to London
By Steve Royce
MIKE TYSON is set for a stunning return to British boxing early next year.
The world's youngest ever heavyweight champion will take part in an exhibition fight on February 3 at a venue in London as part of his world tour.
The plan to bring Tyson back to Britain has been put together by his former sparring partner Derek "Sweet D" Williams, who wants to put the fallen fighter on his first show next year.
"I'm convinced that a deal can be done and that Tyson will be part of my ninth show on February 3," said Williams.
"I've spoken with members of Mike's team and the feedback is very positive and I believe that's because I know him.
"I sparred with Mike before his first-round demolition of Carl 'The Truth' Williams in Atlantic City in 1989.
Advertisement
"He was devastating in the ring before that fight and it was not easy surviving the full course, but I did.
"I stuck it out day after day and a lot of guys just quit and I think that will help me when it comes to persuading Mike to come here."
Williams held both the European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and in 1993 was stopped in the third round by Lennox Lewis. Since retiring from fighting in 1999 he has worked in the media business and two years ago he started promoting his own boxing shows.
"The plan was for Mike to appear on my show at the Fusion Leisure Centre [Elephant and Castle] on December 2 but I've run out of time," claimed Williams.
"That show will go ahead but it's the big one next year when I know I can add Mike Tyson's name to the list of fighters that will be on the show that will be the big one.
"As far as I'm concerned Tyson remains one of boxing's biggest attractions and I still believe that he has something to offer in the heavyweight division."
Last month Tyson took part in his first three-round exhibition and he plans five more before making the decision on whether he will actually box again in a competitive fight.
"I need to fall back in love with boxing before I return to the ring for a real fight," said Tyson.
"I've had a lot of offers to fight all over the world and I'm not ruling any of them out just yet because right now I truly don't know what I'm going to do."
In 2000 Tyson fought twice in Britain and late last year and early this year he took part in a speaking tour in various UK cities.
"Mike has always loved the British public and the British have always loved Mike and I'm going to do my best to put them together again," added Williams.
"He is one of the greatest fighters in history and if I can get him on my show I'm convinced it will be a great boost for British boxing."
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Er will noch 5 Showfights machen und sich dann entscheiden, ob er wieder boxen will.