Mailing it in

Tyson got creamed, but plenty of questions remain

Looking back, you wonder what to make of this Mike Tyson character. He sells gore and mayhem to -- it seems apparent now -- hype pay-per-view numbers, then climbs in the ring and plays like a de-clawed tiger.

We hate him. We love him. And even when he gets his clock cleaned, we're still fixated on this unrepentant convict, almost ignoring the undisputed heavyweight champ, Lennox Lewis .

The questions run one after another. What happens to Iron Mike's career? Is he reduced to little more than a club fighter? Will this spin his life into deeper turmoil? Where was the vintage Tyson rage, was he medicated for the fight? What's with his kissing up to Lewis after the fight, begging for a rematch?

Well, Tyson 'fessed up that the pre-fight vulgar trash was his way of selling the fight. And, yeah, the ex-champ is said to be fast approaching bankruptcy, so he damn well needs another big payday, even if it means getting his face bloodied again.

As he put it, "If you pay me enough I may go fight a lion.''

But if by some remote chance he were to fight Lewis again, would the outcome be any different? Not likely. By his own admission, Tyson says he was hurt in the first round (stunning news) -- the only one he won. And, in his humble post-fight state, even Tyson wasn't sold on his chances in a rematch: "I don't know if I can beat him if he fights like that.''

Thanks, Mike.

Now let's go to the mailbag and see what other folks have to say.

Not only did Lewis beat Tyson physically, but between rounds he had him crying in his corner like a baby. The worst part of the fight was when Tyson actually had the gall to ask for a rematch! What, getting pummeled and humiliated in public once isn't bad enough? Please, let's hope Iron Mike has (what little) sense (he has) to call it quits and do boxing a favor!
-- Marv Hafenbreadl, Stevens Point, Wis.

We didn't catch the between-rounds crying, but we'll take your word. His begging for a rematch was a bizarre touch. That's OK a month or two later when memory fades, but not minutes after getting your butt kicked. Mike, have some pride.

When I saw Tyson come out of the dressing room to the ring he didn't have that angry look in his eye like we are used to seeing. I feel Mike could have won against Lewis if he had wanted it bad enough. It was almost like he was sedated. Mike has fought big guys before and come out of his corner in a rage. If Mike gets that drive back, look out, Lewis -- and any other boxer that gets in the way of what he wants. Let's face one thing: There is no other boxer who could have taken the punches Tyson took.
-- Guy Mack, Mansfield, Ohio

OK, kudos to Mike for staying around to take his pounding. We don't buy the rest of this stuff. If he gets his drive back? Hey, the guy is 35, a good decade beyond his glory, and he's been tattooed by the last two decent fighters he stepped in with, Lewis and Evander Holyfield. It's over.

The headlines shamefully roar Lennox Lewis' name. Lewis says he's the "best fighter on planet," but I don't buy that one bit, not after supporting Mike Tyson for so many years. Tonight's bout had to be Mike's worst. I believe he wasn't prepared to fight a world heavyweight champion. Since biting Holyfield's ear off, promoters and other boxing associates want to put the new "nice guy" label on Tyson. So he does what he has to do: He slows down, calms himself, and keeps his mouth shut. Therein, he loses his raging fury, that fierce look and cunning blow. That's not Iron Mike Tyson we saw tonight. It's the sport of boxing's artificial creation.
-- Sean Mofidi, San Ramon, Calif.

Wow, sure hate to be around Mike when he wasn't a "nice guy." He only spent the months leading up to Saturday night trying to shock and terrorize any one who would listen, particularly the media. The only thing you can say for sure that he's lost are skills in the ring.

While I admit that the fight was heavily one-sided, and that Mr. Lewis dominated, it hardly seemed clean. Ironic that all the hype on Tyson's conduct, and Lewis was the one fighting dirty: excessive holding, grabbing, illegal punches, lots of pushing, and even a low blow. I also find it funny that the "crushing right hand" by Lewis isn't what put Iron Mike on the canvas. Look at the replay -- much like earlier in the fight, after landing a punch, Lewis pushed Tyson to the floor. Granted, Mike was already dead in the water and Lennox was probably saving us some time, but truth be told, Lewis hardly seemed the gentleman that an earlier contributor billed him to be.
-- T.J. Dottore, Knoxville, Tenn.

That's bad. Not only does Tyson eat leather, but he staggers away as Gentleman Mike. Or is it Mr. Clean?

Tyson sure was friendly and gracious with Lewis after the fight was over. Am I wrong, or was Tyson a gracious loser because he wants Lewis to agree to a rematch for one last good payday?
-- Charles Langer, Hilo, Hawaii

That, and he was afraid if he played ugly Mr. Lewis might deck him again.

The difference for people who really know boxing is that Tyson was the so-called champion and he is the one who was demolished. Will you people now please get off the Tyson bandwagon. It's been over for a long time.
-- Jay, Birmingham, Ala.

Can't be much of a bandwagon, considering Lewis was a heavy favorite and yours truly predicted he'd take care of business inside of eight rounds.

What wonderful showmanship from Tyson! If this wasn't the best executed publicity stunt of all times, then I'll eat my hat. . . . The fight we watched Saturday night was not TRUE TYSON. I feel like it was a huge waste of money and an insult to boxing fans.
-- Debora Hines, Thomasville, Ga.

That's why Mike is itching for a second shot, so next time he can be the TRUE TYSON and grab some more of your money.

Perhaps now that this debacle is over people will get a life! My greatest complaint is condoning Mike Tyson's behavior and allowing him to become a hero of sorts to the younger generation.
-- L. Johnson, Georgia

Sad to say, Tyson is a hero to more folks than you might imagaine.

It appears that many consider Mike Tyson to be ready for the scrap yard after the loss against Lennox Lewis. Come on, give the guy a chance, he might have lost the big fight but he still is an exam you have to pass before even trying to shoot for the big one.
-- Bruno Horn, Origlio, Switzerland

That's the point -- Tyson is reduced to a test for young heavyweights.

Given Tyson's attitude after the fight and his behavior before it, is there any word on whether Tyson was on psych meds during the fight? It could explain his antics in the press conference (where he might have been taken off medication to act up and hype the fight) versus his attitude in the ring during and after the fight (where he was on meds to avoid fouling). As a student of history, I really hate conspiracy theories, but the Jekyll & Hyde-like difference in Tyson was striking.
-- Jason, San Antonio, Texas

You have to wonder about the meds, don't you? Let us know when you get a straight answer from the WBC on what they drug tested for.

I am just learning that Mike Tyson has been diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder back in 1988 and that briefly he took Lithium, but later stopped Lithium and started using Zoloft for his depression/mood swings. I am Bipolar my self and I was rather surprised at learning all that there is to learn about Mike Tyson. He is harming himself by not following up with a psychiatrist and taking his medication as prescribed. I just pray that Mike Tyson will one day do what is best for his mental well being.
-- Rebecca Bradbury, Millington, Tenn.

Hopefully, your thoughts are shared by many.

Mike Fish is a senior writer for CNNSI.com.

Comments? To e-mail Fish, click here.

 

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