Relaxed Tyson ready to fight in January

Tim Graham

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998 | 5:51 a.m.

If Mike Tyson was worried about going back to prison, he certainly wasn't showing it.

The former heavyweight champion of the world didn't seem to have a care in the world at a Tuesday news conference to announce his Jan. 16 fight with Frans Botha at the MGM Grand Garden.

Promoter Dan Goossen of America Presents called the event "the worst-kept secret in boxing."

The 12-round pay-per-view bout will be Tyson's first fight since June of 1997, when he bit Evander Holyfield's ears. The Nevada State Athletic Commission subsequently stripped Tyson of his license and fined him $3 million.

Tyson was reinstated in October.

Tyson adviser Shelly Finkel told those gathered at the Hollywood Athletic Club not to ask about his client's "pending litigation." The first question: "Are you concerned you might go back to prison?"

There was no answer.

Earlier in the day in Indianapolis, Judge Patricia Gifford tabled any decision to send Tyson back to jail for possibly violating his parole as a result of pleading no contest to misdemeanor assault charges in Maryland.

Two motorists claim Tyson kicked and punched them following a car accident. The Montgomery County District Court in Maryland has set Feb. 5 for sentencing. Gifford plans to await that verdict before she renders one of her own.

Tyson served three years in an Indiana prison for rape, but was released on parole in 1995.

But Tyson wasn't letting legal issues get to him on Tuesday. His remarks were brief, but often funny.

"I'm just here to fight," Tyson said. "I'm on parole and I'm just trying to be nice up here."

Tyson returns to the ring at 45-3 with 39 knockouts.

Botha is 39-1 with 24 KOs. His loss came against Michael Moorer in 1996.

"It's a great moment for me," Botha said. "I've been in training a long time, and I've been waiting for this moment a long time.

"I know a lot of you out there don't know me, but those of you who do know I will come to fight. I won't lay down and die.

"For all those people out there associating themselves with Mike Tyson, I have one thing to say: Hold on, because you might lose a lot of money."

Tyson was unfazed by Botha's bravado.

"I've been doing this 15 years and I've heard this from a bunch of different guys," Tyson said. "We'll see. We'll see.

"I put people in body bags when I'm right. I know you guys don't think he's going to beat me. I know no one believes that."

Tyson didn't face many legitimate queries from the press. He spent most of his time listening to fans and associates wish him well in his comeback and religious life. He even faced a challenge from former fringe contender Jeremy Williams.

Some of the exchanges:

* On why he asked former Holyfield trainer Tommy Brooks to handle his corner: "I don't think anybody else wanted me. I'm not here because I'm the nicest guy in the world. He didn't seem like the kind of guy who just wanted a paycheck. He's kind of square, but he's a good brother."

* On the possibility of fighting 48-year-old Joe Bugner: "If the price is right, I'll fight a lion."

* On whether or not fans can expect a clean fight against Botha: "I'm a very good boy."

* On his anger and propensity to get into trouble: "I don't know. But I love white people."

* On the reason he was so loose at the news conference: "Probation officer."