The Tyson who spoke on the phone exudes confidence and professionalism. He clearly has prepared himself and is poised to embark on a series of fights to regain sport's highest honor, the heavyweight crown. When asked what should be in Seldon's mind he said with sincerity "Don't show up." Over and over again Tyson repeated "I just want to fight." By the end of the call, he had made that clear.
Bruce Seldon, when you climb through the ropes on July 13 you are going up against Iron Mike Tyson. The same Tyson who, when told he is being compared to Jack Dempsey, said simply, "I like Mr. Dempsey a lot." Does that give you a hint as to what you might be facing?
I asked King what Tyson's schedule will be after the Seldon fight. The winner of Botha-Seldon is definite. King expects Oliver McCall to defeat Lewis in a rematch, then Tyson will fight McCall and then Akinwande. I pressed to see if Tyson will be defending the title apart from these unification bouts and the King said "Mike Tyson is willing to fight anybody and he will be active." Dare I say it -- I believe Don King?
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