Memphis, June 4: It was the usual Mike Tyson press conference Tuesday, pushing, shoving and plenty of profanity-laced rantings. But this time it was Tyson's trainers and the media providing the antics while the former champion, who fights Lennox Lewis Saturday in what is being billed as the richest world heavyweight title fight of all time, slipped away in silence.
Tyson, famous for his explosive outbursts, had absolutely nothing to say in his one and only scheduled meeting with the media, limiting his remarks to a prepared statement.
"I feel great," said Tyson in a press release. "I'm as strong as I've ever been and in the best shape of my life."
"On Saturday night, I am going to do what I do best and put a world of hurt on Mr. Lewis in a devastating and spectacular manner."
"It is my destiny and I will not be denied in reclaiming my heavyweight title."
Taken by buses for a steamy trip to Tunica, Mississippi for a Tyson training session, hundreds of reporters were rewarded with only a 10-minute glimpse of the 35-year-old boxer on the speed bag before he left the workout without uttering a single word.
Tyson's handlers, however, had plenty to say, attacking both the media and Briton Lewis.
"This is why he (Tyson) won't talk to you guys," said the American's trainer Ronnie Shields when asked if he thought his fighter might bite Lewis.
Bureau Report