Tyson predicts quick knockout in fight against Botha

Dean Juipe

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999 | 11:19 a.m.

Evasive and inattentive through most of a 15-minute conference call today, Mike Tyson said little about his upcoming fight with Frans Botha aside from stating the obvious that he expected to win.

Tyson and Botha will meet Jan. 16 at the MGM Grand Garden.

The former undisputed heavyweight champ spoke to reporters from his training site in Phoenix. He's due in Las Vegas this weekend.

"Ask Botha after the fight," Tyson said, when quizzed about his desire to reclaim a world title this year at the age of 32.

He added that Botha had little or no chance for an upset victory.

"He ain't going to win the fight anyway, so it doesn't matter," Tyson said, referring to Botha's diligent training for the 10-round bout. He agreed with earlier statements by Botha that the first round will be significant.

"He's absolutely right," Tyson said. "I'm going to come right at him."

Asked how he anticipates Botha reacting, Tyson said "he'll die."

Botha, 39-1, has been training daily at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas.

"I'm in great shape," Tyson said. His new trainer, Tommy Brooks, claims Tyson has sparred extensively and "is a great student. He really absorbs things."

Brooks and Tyson, however, gave conflicting information on the subject of Tyson changing styles at this late date in his career. Tyson said "we're working on basics (so that) I'm not totally reliant on explosive power. We're doing body punching and all-around basics." Yet Brooks made the comment that "we're trying to get Mike to fight like he did when he was 20 years old."

Questioners were warned before the brief conference call that inquiries on his former promoter, Don King, or on Tyson's pending legal troubles in Maryland and Indiana were off limits.

Tyson, 45-3, laughed when asked about this week's passing of former heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry. When a caller wanted to know if Tyson was worried about taking too much abuse in the sport -- as Quarry did -- Tyson said "I think the blows I've taken have helped me more than hurt me."

He also alluded to his many personal troubles, saying "I've been through a lot of turmoil in my life" when a questioner asked about his widespread popularity. "Maybe people hate me more than anybody else and want to see me in demise."

He refused to speculate on the direction of his career or about a third fight with current WBA and IBF champ Evander Holyfield.

"I fight one at a time," Tyson said. "Let me get through this one and I'll answer questions about the next one."

As for his relationship with Brooks, Tyson said he selected him from among the many interested in working with him "because we get along personally."

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