Arum ready to sign Tyson

Dean Juipe

Friday, July 30, 2004 | 10:21 a.m.

His pen figuratively in hand, promoter Bob Arum said Thursday that he is on the brink of signing former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to a promotional agreement.

Tyson need only defeat Danny Williams tonight in Louisville -- and do it without incident -- to have Arum pushing the negotiations to what he hopes is a favorable conclusion.

"There's nothing definite right this minute, but it could fall into place by next week," Arum said of dealing with Tyson via his manager, Shelly Finkel. "We're exchanging drafts of contracts and I think we have a basis for a deal."

Arum has offered Tyson a three-fight deal (with an option for a fourth fight) that is worth a minimum of $80 million.

Tyson is not currently licensed to fight in Nevada, but Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Marc Ratner remarked that he would not foresee a problem getting Tyson licensed if the fight in Louisville proves to be successful.

Tyson, 38, has earned approximately $300 million in his career yet he filed for personal bankruptcy last year. He listed debts of $38 million.

He's 50-4 with 44 knockouts in a fabled career that has been marked by great conquests and equally great blunders.

He also admits that he likely would not still be fighting if not for his financial troubles.

"I didn't think I was going to fight again," Tyson told the Associated Press in Louisville, referring to the 17-month gap between his most recent bouts.

Nonetheless, with a fight at hand and a lucrative deal on the table, Tyson also said "My future seems so much brighter than my past."

That's sweet news to Arum, who foresees a grandiose relationship with the mischievous slugger.

"We've agreed to talk again Sunday," Arum said, referring to a planned discussion with Finkel. "There was no sense finalizing anything until after Tyson has fought Williams, because all bets are off if he loses.

If Tyson does defeat Williams, an English journeyman with a record of 31-3, Arum will actively pursue a contractual agreement that would likely see the fighter through the remainder of his boxing career.

"Hopefully, we'll get this done some time next week," Arum said.