The Cyber Boxing Zone Newswire


Tyson vs. Norris: Francis Walker


October 17, 1999

On Saturday, October 23, live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, former Undisputed World Champion, Mike Tyson (46-3, 40KOs) returns to the squared-circle after a nine-month layoff. Following the final out of the World Series, Tyson, in a 10-round heavyweight bout, meets former WBA cruiserweight champ, Orlin Norris (50-5, 27KOs).

Tyson-Norris, promoted by Dan Goosen of America Presents, will be televised live on SHOWTIME, not on Pay-Per-View.

In January, Tyson, making his first ring appearance since his third round disqualification loss to WBA/IBF kingpin, Evander Holyfield in June 1997, knocked out top-10 contender, Francios Botha in the fifth round. Tyson, whose skills has terribly eroded over the years due to extensive periods of inactivity and proper training, looked least spectacular to say the least.

However, Tyson still has the ability to set his feet quick enough to land that one, big overhand, right-cross that will put any fighter in the world on the mat. That is exactly what happened to Botha, who was ahead on all three judges scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

Tyson, who found himself battling another round of legal problems in February, returned to training camp in August. Tyson, who weighed around 275-pounds, worked his way down to 235 by mid-September. Tyson hopes to come in at 220 pounds when he meets Norris.

Having fought professionally for nearly 13 1/2 years, Norris, who won the World Boxing Association cruiserweight crown in November 1996 from Marcelo Figueroa (KO 6) in France, went on to defend his title five times. Losing it in July 1995 to Nate Miller (KO by 8) in London. Overall, Norris was 5-1, 3KOs in world title fights.

Norris, who is also a veteran of over 55 professional contests, has fought some of the best names both in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Figueroa, Miller (KO by 8, W 12) , Arthur Williams (W 12, W 12) Adolpho Washington (W 12, W 12), Tony Tucker ( L 12), Oliver McCall (W 10), and others...

Norris hopes that a career best performance, marks the pinnacle of a well-defined career. Should Norris lose horribly, no one in the boxing world will ever remember his achievements. Norris would not even be remember as the oldest brother of former 154-pound champ, Terry Norris.

Of all the opponents that were available, Axel Schultz, Zeljiko Mavrovic, and Buster Douglas, Tyson's advisors selected Norris. Basically because, Norris had a bigger name, a creditable fighter, and the lightest hitter of them all.

Norris is a good boxer with adequate skills. At 5' 10," he should be able to provide Tyson with difficult angles, but the question is does Norris have enought to keep Tyson's power and velocity off of him.

Norris will look to match Tyson move for move both on the inside and out behind his left jabs. Norris should frustrate the hell out of Tyson until Tyson catches him inside the distance.

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