Holmes thinks it is time for Tyson’s return

ED SCHUYLER JR

Monday, Oct. 19, 1998 | 4:12 a.m.

A man he once fought and a promoter he is fighting expressed satisfaction that Mike Tyson will get another boxing license.

"It's about time they gave the man's license back," said Larry Holmes, who came out of retirement to get knocked out by Tyson in a title bid on Jan. 22, 1988. "I wish him well."

Don King , whom Tyson is suing for $100 million, also said he was pleased with the decision by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

"I am delighted Tyson will be able to fight again," said King, who's accused of cheating the former heavyweight champ out of millions of dollars.

The commission voted 4-1 to allow Tyson to box again. It had revoked his license and fined him $3 million after he was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield's ears in their rematch on June 28, 1997.

"Taking the $3 million was punishment enough," Holmes said. "He paid his dues with that."

As for Holyfield, he has often said he thought Tyson had paid for his mistake and should get a license.

"The primary victim of that mistake has forgiven him completely," said Jim Thomas, Holyfield's lawyer. "Mike has had an exemplary career inside the ropes, with one major exception. Everybody deserves a second chance."

Mills Lane, the referee who disqualified Tyson, did not wish to give an opinion.

"It's the commission's call to do what they think is appropriate," Lane said. "They made this choice, now let's move on."

King, through spokesman Greg Fritz, said allowing Tyson to return to the ring was the "fair thing to do."

"The Nevada State Athletic Commission is the greatest in the world and I believe they displayed wisdom and justice in allowing Mike Tyson to apply for a boxing license," he said.

There is talk of Tyson returning to the ring as early as December. He is under contract to Showtime.

"We have a contract for a significant number of fights over the course of a significant amount of time," said Jay Larkin, senior vice president for boxing and entertainment programming for the cable network.

Whomever and whenever Tyson fights, Holmes believes the former champ could face a tough challenge.

"His toughest fight will be with the first opponent who gets into the ring with him who's not afraid of him," Holmes said. "His hole card has been tipped. Evander Holyfield showed how to fight Mike Tyson - don't run, stand in there and box him."