08.06.2004
Mike Tyson on credibility
Hey boxing fans, Mike Tyson is in the gym and he’s even planning on taking a bout this summer. As of this writing Iron Mike is hard at work under Freddy Roach in preparation for a “semi scheduled” July return against Kevin McBride. As a boxing observer who continues to root for Iron Mike to retain what is left of his considerable ring gifts, I must say that I am happy he is back. Mike appears to be more relaxed and personable nowadays, a regular at the fights and eager to lend his opinions on the evenings fight and the state of the heavyweight division. Mike was fairly astute and accurate in assessing his buddy Zab Judah’s razor thin defeat to welterweight kingpin Corey Spinks. It’ is such a relief to hear Mike talk boxing, as opposed to the full display of personal demons we’ve witnessed in recent years. Mikes great insight reminds us that he was once an impressionable youth, sitting in the dark film room of the late great Cus D’Amato scouring over endless reels of film. All was well until May 15th, when Roy Jones' crushing defeat at the hands of Antonio Tarver led the former undisputed heavyweight champion to use the word "credibility".
Like most fighters swept away in the wave of media caused by Tarver's one punch KO of Jones, Mike was questioned about proposed bouts with both fighters. “He’s gotta knock that guy out, he’s gotta knock him out (Tarver) to restore his credibility.” Tyson also said that he would invite a bout with Tarver and show Roy “how it’s done” by knocking Tarver out in one round. Mike went on to suggest Roy “earn” a shot at him, as if a bout with him were something that fighters have to aspire to. As I stated in my piece "Who’s the Man", Mike Tyson is “the man” but a fight with him is more of a lottery, not a legitimate competition where credibility is a factor. Mike is currently not a champion, he is an attraction, and if he is capable of fighting Orlin Norris he is capable of fighting a fallen light heavyweight champion. As a longtime Mike Tyson fan I’ve accepted the “deal with the devil”, I've accepted that whenever Mike “performs” I will consume. I just don’t want Mike to get all high and mighty about who is worthy of invitation to such an “engagement”.
Hearing Mike utter the word “credibility” is a lot like watching your slightly overweight girlfriend head for the door in a halter-top. You a want to say, “baby, I love you, but don’t”. I mean really, credibility? I believe Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver both have more credibility than 87th (Boxrec) ranked heavyweight Kevin McBride. I would also favor Roy Jones (post knockout) over Clifford Etienne and point out that his victory over John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title is more “credible” than any Tyson victory in years. For Mike Tyson to suggest any fighter should avenge a loss by knockout is hypocritical considering his history in defeat.
Remember, this is the Mike Tyson who seemed to oscillate before our eyes (after being knocked out by Lennox Lewis) between wanting a rematch and admitting that he was no match for the Brit. This is also the Tyson who Lennox had to drag into court to try and enforce a rematch clause that ideally should be the other way around. Mike survived his KO to Buster Douglas not by return bout KO, but by allowing Holyfield to take care of his business in two rounds. Mike's return bout with Holyfield is now infamous, yet it did not deter him from continuing to captivate fans with his presence in the sport. On May 15th, the proposed bout between Tyson and Jones became less “viable”, less likely, maybe even less profitable, but in no way did any fighter in the fight stand the chance of losing credibility. As Bernard Hopkins states, “credibility is based on consistency”, it is something that Antonio has “become”, something Roy has “been” and something Tyson must accrue, not comment on.
Quelle: http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Wade/Wade060804.htm