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Tyson at home in Britain
Posted: Thursday January 27, 2000 04:52 PM
His credibility crumbled, his act played out at home, Mike Tyson finally made the right move when he left the United States and came here to Britain where he's become the biggest attraction in the country. We spoke Monday and Tyson told me the fans who have ringed the gates of his London hotel where he also trains are treating him for what he is, not was, a fighter instead of a criminal. Tyson told me he still believes most Americans view him as a monster and said that "I feel sometimes that they should just take me out in a public square and shoot me in the head if they feel I am so bad." He's happier here in London and told me after he takes out his opponent Julius Francis Saturday night in "stunning fashion" he would like to fight more in Europe and even Australia. Those who make his deals told me Tuesday he'll probably fight Lou Savarese March 25 at the Continental Arena in New Jersey, but could be back here in London or possibly Germany. And then fight again in June or July in the huge stadium in Cardiff, Wales where Lennox Lewis once defended his heavyweight title.
Speaking of Lewis, he is the goal. Tyson's trainer Tommy Brooks told me Tyson could meet and beat Lewis now. Most neutral observers however feel Tyson first needs to string together some dynamic performances and that the string had better begin Saturday night against a badly outclassed Julius Francis. We also spoke with Francis and we'll have that story and more Wednesday. Nick Charles is the senior correspondent for CNN/SI, the 24-hour sports news network from CNN and Sports Illustrated. "Page One with Nick Charles," a show investigating the most current and compelling topics in sports, can be seen at 7:30 a.m. ET Sundays on CNN and at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday on CNN/SI.
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