MGM will chew on problem

Steve Carp

Monday, June 30, 1997 | 4:17 a.m.

Has the MGM Grand seen the last of Mike Tyson?

Possibly, though no one at the hotel-casino was willing to confirm it Sunday.

Tyson's six-fight contract with the megaresort had one fight to go. But in the scenario that played out inside and outside the ring in Saturday's WBA heavyweight championship fight with Evander Holyfield, the MGM may decide to pass on Tyson and release him from his remaining obligations.

"No comment" was the order of the day throughout the hotel's ranks. Officials still were trying to sort out a series of events, which included a melee in the ring after Tyson was disqualified for biting both of Holyfield's ears in the third round of their scheduled 12-round bout.

Metro Police had to assist arena security in the ring when members of Tyson's camp reacted to referee Mills Lane disqualifying their man. Tyson twice took swings at Metro officers who were trying to restore order.

On Tyson's walk back to his dressing room, he and members of his entourage were pelted with debris from angry fans. Some members of Tyson's group tried to get at the fans, but were hustled away. Once again, Metro had to assist arena personnel to break up the unruly mob in the section closest to the walkway leading to Tyson's dressing room.

Finally, there were reports of gunshots being fired in the crowded food-court area adjacent to the Grand Garden Arena following the fight. Eleven people were treated for injuries as fans ran for cover.

MGM head Kirk Kirkorian witnessed the scene. He was quickly hustled away by hotel staff before reporters could talk to him.

Even if the MGM sticks by Tyson, it may have to wait awhile before Tyson can fulfill his remaining obligation. He is suspended pending the establishment of a disciplinary hearing date Tuesday at Las Vegas City Hall. His $30 million share of the purse also is being withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

* PROTECT THE CHAMP: Once Mills Lane had DQ'd Mike Tyson, Tim Hallmark, a member of Evander Holyfield's corner, knew trouble was just a few feet away. He was right. Tyson was coming and members of his entourage weren't far behind. "As soon as they stopped it, I said to our guys, 'These guys are going to go nuts on us,'" Hallmark said. "We just tried to protect Evander." Tyson was determined to get at Holyfield and he made a beeline for Hallmark, who was directly in front of Holyfield. "He was breaking loose from 3-4 people at a time," Hallmark said of Tyson's attempt to get at Holyfield. "He did more fighting with three guys holding him than he did during the fight."

* METRO PRAISED: After the riot that broke out in Madison Square Garden following last year's Riddick Bowe-Andrew Golota brawl, Nevada officials took steps to ensure such incidents didn't take place here. Thanks to the quick action of Metro Police, a repeat of the Garden riot was avoided. The cops' presence in the ring quickly subdued what was becoming an ugly scene. When fans bombarded Tyson on his way back to the dressing room, Metro once again intervened, hauling the perpetrators away. "Metro did everything in an orderly manner," said Marc Ratner, the executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. "They were ready and they took control. That's the difference between what happened here and what happened at Madison Square Garden. There was a plan in place and it was used effectively. Both Metro and the MGM deserve credit for making sure things didn't get out of control."

* MANDELA MEETING: Holyfield left Las Vegas late Sunday morning for his Atlanta home. According to his attorney, Jim Thomas, the champ will be leaving for South Africa for a meeting with President Nelson Mandela. "Evander plans to spend a week or so in South Africa, at which time he'll visit with President Mandela," Thomas said. Thomas wasn't sure exactly when Holyfield's trip will be. But it may be delayed while he recovers from the injuries suffered in the ring Saturday.

* 100 FOR JULIO: The only thing memorable about Julio Cesar Chavez's 100th victory was the milestone itself. Chavez's lackluster effort against unknown Larry La Coursiere didn't endear the Mexican superstar to the capacity crowd of 16,331 at the Grand Garden. The 10-round super lightweight bout went the distance with Chavez scoring a unanimous decision. Chavez, 100-2-1 with 83 knockouts, put La Coursiere down in the fourth round. But he couldn't put the Hastings, Minn., resident away and spent the rest of the fight chasing La Coursiere. By winning, the 34-year-old Chavez earned the right to fight Miguel Angel Gonzalez in September for the super lightweight title. Gonzalez, 42-1, stopped Roberto Granciosa in the third round of their scheduled 10-round bout.