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Tough talk Opponent promises to beat Tyson 'black and blue'
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Mike Tyson's opponent thinks the former heavyweight champion is an ordinary guy who has done "odd things." And Brian Nielsen promises to "beat him black and blue" in their fight Saturday. The two fighters appeared together for the first time Sunday in connection with the bout. The 35-year-old Tyson has been idle for almost a year and said he was "in great shape." "To me, he's just a human being like you and me," said the 36-year-old Nielsen, known to Danes as Super Brian. "He has done some odd things, but otherwise I don't think he is so special." Nielsen was referring to the 1997 bout when Tyson was disqualified after biting off part of Evander Holyfield's right ear. Tyson (49-3) hasn't fought since Oct. 20, when he faced Andrew Golota at Auburn Hills, Mich. Golota quit in the second round. Nielsen (62-1, 43 knockouts) last fought on June 16 when he decisioned Orlin Norris in Denmark. "I've been [boxing] all the time; he hasn't," Nielsen said. Tyson arrived in Denmark on Monday to prepare for a bout that is regarded as a major step toward another shot at the heavyweight title. Trainer Tommy Brooks said his fighter was in a "terribly good shape," calling Nielsen "a big guy" who "was doable." The 6-foot-3 Dane weighs 250 pounds. Tyson is 5-foot-9, 231. Mike Hall has been training Nielsen the past two months. He said Nielsen was "in the best shape of his life and had done everything that is possible to be ready." Tyson "hits harder than I do, but I last longer," Nielsen said as he revealed a bit of his tactics. "I have to survive the first three, four rounds and then I'll get to him."
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