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| October 22, 2006 | Sunday | Ramazan 28, 1427 |
Tyson unimpressive in exhibition bout
YOUNGSTOWN (Ohio), Oct 21: Former world heavyweight champ Mike Tyson used Corey Sanders as a human punching bag as he kicked off his ‘Mike Tyson World Tour’ with a four-round exhibition on Friday.
The 40-year-old Tyson left little doubt about why he retired in 2005 as he fought a one-sided bout that was billed as the main event but resembled a sparring session.
“It was tougher than I thought it would be,” Tyson said. “It will get better.”
Tyson reiterated on Friday that he has no plans to restart his competitive career.
“I am worn out and washed up. I am finished,” he said before the exhibition.
Tyson knocked the out of shape Sanders down in the opening round and then several times Tyson had to hold Sanders around the waste to prevent him from falling down.
Both fighters were well off their competitive fighting weights and wore T-shirts in the ring. Sanders also wore head gear which might have prevented him from being knocked out as he let Tyson hit him at will.
Sanders' limited offence included a pawing jab but no heavy shots.
Tyson hopes this is the first of a series of four-round exhibitions with his long time sparring partner Sanders.“This tour is going all over the world,” Tyson said. “Europe, Asia, Middle East ... everybody is bidding in anticipation.”
A former two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson announced his retirement from boxing after he lost to unheralded Irishman Kevin McBride on June 11, 2005.
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) squandered an estimated 300 million dollars in earnings and declared bankruptcy in 2003, but denied that debts is what forced him back into the ring.
“The money I make (from the exhibitions) isn't going to help my bills, but I feel better and won't be depressed,” Tyson said.—AFP
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