Tyson interview - he quashes comeback rumours

Chambers2 · Post by **Chambers2** » 01 Feb 2008, 12:15

By Mark Vester

Former two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is currently on tour in South Africa to take part in charity work around the country.

Speaking candidly with the media, Tyson said that he’s lost a lot of interest in the sport of boxing. He’s lost so much interest that he doesn’t’ even watch it like he used to. Old age has begun to take it’s toll on the former champ.

Several weeks ago, rumors ran all over the internet with respect to a third meeting between Mike Tyson and former four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. The fighters fought twice in the late 90’s, with the rematch becoming one of the most infamous bouts in boxing history after Tyson was disqualified for biting off a piece of Holyfield’s ear. Even as both men are now in their 40’s, minor interest exists to see them fight each other for a third time.

Tyson squashed any rumors of a comeback when speaking with reporters and says Holyfield is a friend.

"I don't watch (boxing) as I used to, I am not as interested as I used to be," Tyson said. "I do what I want to do. I travel, hang out with my kids and fix my house. I feel so old. I'm just happy to be remembered. Evander is a good guy who I like to look on as a friend.”

When asked about the possibility of coming back to boxing as a trainer, Tyson was very honest in telling media members that he’s not responsible enough for the job.

"It takes a lot of responsibility for that and I don't think I am responsible enough," Tyson said. "I still like to hang out and be with my friends so I don't think I am responsible enough. It takes a great deal of responsibility for someone to be expected to raise a child for 10 or 11 hours a day. I'm not ready for that - I have a hard time raising my children so having someone else’s kid would be a little bit overwhelming.”

Tyson also makes sure that none of his children take up boxing. He doesn’t want his children involved with the sport.

"No, none of my children are interested in boxing - I make sure of that. They are just basic kids, just normal kids," Tyson said.

Nice interview I thought

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Feb 2008, 12:23

Very candid interview.

I for one am glad Tyson has a diminished interest in boxing, and appears to be moving away from the bear-pit atmosphere.

It's easy for us non-combatants to admire boxing and boxers, but it is a very tough and soul-sapping business for many of those involved.

I hope things work out for Mike.

ArtOfWar · Post by **ArtOfWar** » 01 Feb 2008, 12:27

Tyson changes his mind all the time and he said so himself on butt-talk. He said some days he wants to fight and some he doesn't. If someone comes calling with a big paycheck for him him to fight Holyfield again I reckon he'd go for it.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 01 Feb 2008, 14:21

I'd like to see Tyson as a trainer, I think that would be pretty interesting with all the knowledge he has. And Tyson's knowledge of skills put pretty much every trainer bar 2-3 in the game to shame. Although as a teacher he maybe lacking.

bigped · Post by **bigped** » 01 Feb 2008, 14:47

Is he struggling financially or whats the script?/

Matt W · Post by **Matt W** » 01 Feb 2008, 16:39

I think Tyson's best move in boxing terms, if he were interested, would be to get involved in analysis / commentary.

Can't see him as a trainer as he had difficulty getting motivated himself, it seems hard to imagine him having a strong motivation to train somebody else.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Feb 2008, 18:33

Agreed, and Tyson can be very articulate when he's switched on.

Things is, I don't think he really wants to be around boxing, and hasn't wanted to be for quite some time. I think that was clear when he helped Ettienne up after decking.

ArtOfWar · Post by **ArtOfWar** » 01 Feb 2008, 18:50

Tyson made it clear in the same butt-talk interview that no one wants him for commentating duties.

Grilling Machine · Post by **Grilling Machine** » 02 Feb 2008, 00:26

I'd be happy if he never makes a news headline again. Living a quiet life is the best future going for him.

As for training others: I feel a lot of the genuine desire to do so comes from caring about your students*. If Mike wants to leave boxing behind, he'll naturally wish to stay away from those who participate.

*Eubank also stated this when asked whether he'd ever become a trainer. You can't just open a gym and expect Floyd Patterson to wander in. It is a shame that clubs operate purely as businesses, because a huge amount of veteran knowledge is lost over time.

We could do with a few more like Woodhall.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 02 Feb 2008, 06:22

jamesmcdonnell wrote: think that was clear when he helped Ettienne up after decking.

Tyson always did that didnt he? Something he took from Dempsey

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 02 Feb 2008, 07:41

No. I can't say I recall him doin that any other time.

Tyson literally rushed over as soon as he was counted out, it was bizzare.

Matt W · Post by **Matt W** » 02 Feb 2008, 12:57

Didn't he help John Coyle up?

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 02 Feb 2008, 13:58

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Agreed, and Tyson can be very articulate when he's switched on.

Things is, I don't think he really wants to be around boxing, and hasn't wanted to be for quite some time. I think that was clear when he helped Ettienne up after decking.

I used to love Tyson when he first came on the scene; not necessarily for his considerable ring prowess, but for his enthusiasm & unrivalled knowledge about boxers & boxing from a bygone era.

It was great to listen to him back then.

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 03 Feb 2008, 13:29

ArtOfWar wrote:Tyson made it clear in the same butt-talk interview that no one wants him for commentating duties.

Tyson is honest enough to declare that the majority of commentary organisations, do not want him on their team for analysis of bouts, etc.

However, Mike Tyson could & would piss all over any other commentator in the world - for Mike knows boxiong inside out. Didn't Mike comment on Rahman-Maskaev 2? If he did, how did he do in that role?

I can understand the reservations HBO, Showtime, etc, etc might have in respect of having Mike on board, but why not just give the guy a chance as a commentator? Contrary to what most would think, Tyson is quite articulate. I think he would make a great commentator & more importantly, because Mike has been there, seen it, done it, etc, he could relate to fighters more that other people.