MGM to host big fight
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 | 10:37 a.m.
In racing parlance, this one went to the wire.
With an air of secrecy existing until the actual opening of today's press conference in New York City, it was announced that Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson would fight April 6 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
The photo finish was brought on by a number of factors, including Tyson's status with the district attorney in Clark County.
Rival cable networks HBO and Showtime will share the initial broadcasting rights.
Lewis, 39-2-1, will risk his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation titles.
Tyson, 49-3, will attempt to become a champion for a third time.
Betting odds already posted have Lewis at a minus 190 and Tyson at a plus 150.
Each man is said to be earning $20 million for a fight that backers believe will become the most-watched in boxing history.
Tickets, however, cannot go on sale until Tyson is formally licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Last licensed here in 1999, Tyson has been placed on the commission's Jan. 29 agenda.
"We're in receipt of a letter asking us to start the licensing process," said NSAC executive director Marc Ratner. "Once they've applied, the process goes forward."
Shrouding that process is a still-unresolved investigation into a sexual-assault allegation brought against Tyson in September and being handled by the Clark County District Attorney's office. The complaint alleges Tyson, a convicted felon, raped a woman at his Las Vegas residence.
A majority vote of the five-person NSAC would determine Tyson's licensing.
Prompted by an edict by the WBC to finalize the fight no later than today or have it go to purse bid, organizers put the finishing touches on the deal and the MGM outlasted fellow suitors Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden in New York for the right to host the attraction.
"I'm personally very territorial when it comes to boxing," Ratner said of the fight landing in Las Vegas. "We're always pleased to get a fight of this magnitude."
HBO and Showtime came to a rare agreement in which the network whose fighter wins -- and HBO is affiliated with Lewis, while Showtime has Tyson -- will retain the rebroadcast rights while paying the network of the losing fighter $3 million.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Report: LV home prices fall despite increases nationwide
- Funeral procession for slain officer includes Las Vegas Strip
- Boyd Gaming sues man over Internet domain name
- General Growth moving subsidiaries out of bankruptcy protection
- Bellagio sues company over alleged trademark infringement
- Justin Hawkins is a Rebel with many causes
- Judge to rule whether Lt. Gov. Krolicki case continues
- Man on death row for 1990 Vegas murder kills self
- Metro officer remembered as ‘protector’ of family, community
- When did Binion’s $1 million display appear?
Blogs
The Kats Report
'DWTS' champ Donny Osmond still deft afoot in return to Flamingo (2 Comments)
Politics: The Early Line
Meeting of GOP governors draws challengers, not Gibbons (1 Comment)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Oscar loves forcing developers to sign labor peace agreements, Culinary loves the city's downtown plans and all is forgiven (1 Comment)
Now and Then
Underdog is open on a post pattern
Miech Again
Kruger contract altered in September (2 Comments)
Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch
Photo Gallery: Donny Osmond brings DWTS trophy to Las Vegas
High School Sports Scene
Prep Football: State Semifinals Picks (4 Comments)
Calendar »
- 26 Thu
- 27 Fri
- 28 Sat
- 29 Sun
- 30 Mon
-
DJ Battle at Drai's
Drai's Afterhours | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
2012 at Cheyenne Saloon
Cheyenne Saloon | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Sampson's Army at the Double Down Saloon
Double Down Saloon | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati












