Savarese will look to stun Tyson in Scotland

Dean Juipe

Thursday, June 8, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.

The general assumption is that Mike Tyson wouldn't be fighting Lou Savarese in Glasgow, Scotland, if he didn't think victory was assured.

Yet to hear Savarese confidently describe his chances -- and to see him aligned with a solid trainer in Jesse Reid -- perhaps the challenger is, as they say in Las Vegas, a live dog.

"I've been fighting forever," Savarese said during a conference call this week. "I'm not going to fear Tyson."

Training in Houston for his June 24 date with Tyson, Savarese maintains he won't be intimidated by the former heavyweight champion.

"He's a guy who will try to use his fear," he said. "It's a huge part of what he does. But I have no fear whatsoever."

Yet Tyson's propensity for fouls has led to a heightened awareness for Savarese.

"Tyson hits after the bell in almost every fight," he said. "Going on his track record, I'd have to say (I expect a dirty fight). But (Evander) Holyfield kept calm and that's what I have to do."

Holyfield, of course, owns two victories over Tyson, who is 47-3.

Savarese, who is best known for losing a 12-round decision to George Foreman in 1997 and knocking out Buster Douglas in one round a year later, is 39-3.

Las Vegas oddsmaker Herb Lambeck makes Tyson a 20-1 favorite for a bout that will be televised on the Showtime cable network.

"Every fight is huge in the heavyweight division," Savarese said. "Obviously, Tyson demands so much attention it's amazing."

The fact that the fight's date changed three times didn't faze Savarese, who added that it was actually a benefit in that the delays enabled him to be at home for the April 23 birth of a son.

"It's one of the obstacles we had to overcome," he said of the fight getting pushed back and having its site changed from Milan, Italy, to Glasgow. "I don't know how much it cost us (for training expenses), but I owed it to myself to prepare for this as best I can."

Reid, who once worked briefly with Tyson, gives Savarese an added bonus by being in his corner.

"We're not re-inventing the wheel," Savarese said of his relationship with his new trainer. "But at this stage of my career to learn things is so exciting. I'm like a kid when I'm going to the gym."

Reid senses an upset could be in the making.

"I know Lou's style and I know how he works," he said. "He had to find out what the game was all about. Now we're going to make the best of it.

"Certain fights, Lou rises to the occasion and at moments he's shown some of his talents. I think he's going to surprise people.

"He has good hand speed and I think he can match Mike Tyson in power. And if you ask yourself which fighter has more confidence in himself right now, I think Lou does."

Savarese obviously feels good with the fight still two weeks away.

"I plan on going over there and winning this fight. It's going to be exciting."