TEDDY ATLAS' TAKE ON TYSON’S RETURN TO THE RING
By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist
(IB – July 23, 2004) – While I’m sure all of us have an opinion on Mike Tyson’s
(50-4-2 NCs, 44 KOs) return to the ring July 30th against Danny Williams (31-3,
26 KOs) in Louisville, Kentucky, I wanted to share Teddy Atlas’ input on this
subject.
Teddy, who was Tyson’s former trainer going back to Mike’s teenage days, was in
Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, July 9th to be exact, commentating the ESPN
Friday night fights event. After the bouts, I spoke with Teddy about Tyson’s
return for a Championship bid and here is what Teddy had to say:
RB: Teddy – please share your opinion with us regarding Mike Tyson coming back
now in a “must fight” situation to clear up financial matters of debt?
TA: "It’s bad. It’s a disgrace. He should be ashamed of himself, and ashamed for
the people around him quite honestly. He is responsible, but they helped him get
into that position, which is his own fault. To have that much money, and to get
that many opportunities and then I look at all of these kids out here that don’t
even get one opportunity, he is very fortunate. He’s getting another chance.
He’s not fighting anybody. He can still punch, so anything can happen. "
RB: Do you see Tyson realistically regaining the heavyweight championship of the
world?
TA: "Yeah he can get lucky because he can punch and there are some many soft
guys out there and he can find the right spot and get lucky one night. Doesn’t
mean he’s going to turn his life around but it means he can win a fight one
night in the ring."
RB: Well Teddy, thanks for sharing your perspective on Mike Tyson.
TA: "You’re welcome.”
Well fans, you just heard how Teddy Atlas feels about Mike’s comeback. Only time
will tell if Mike can recapture the glory of being the Heavyweight Champion of
the world again. The first step in his quest will be to get past Danny Williams
on July 30th.
If your plans do not call for being on hand, live in Louisville, you will want
to contact your Cable Provider to see for yourself and ask yourself the BIG?
Does’ Mike still have what it takes to be the Heavyweight Champion?
You have just gone InsideBoxing.com
Ron Brashear can be contacted at
brashear@insideboxing.com,
ron@brasheargear.com