Nevada Rejects Tyson License Bid

By Aidan Monaghan

30.01 - In a 4-1 vote, the Nevada State Athletic Commission denied Mike Tyson's request for a license to fight in that state for a proposed heavyweight championship bout in April against Lennox Lewis. After two members voted against Tyson, his representatives called for a recess in an unsuccessful attempt to withdraw their petition, in apparent fear that a Nevada rejection could also result in a rejection by other states as well.

Tyson's representatives laid out a scenario that depicted Tyson as only playing the role that he was instructed to during last weeks press conference melee and also as a victim of miscommunication during this same event. The seeming defensive gesture used by Lewis' bodyguard was described as an offensive blow against the approaching Tyson which lead to last weeks violence. Tyson himself also described a provocative comment offered by a member of the media in attendance immediately after the melee that lead to Tyson launching into an expletive laced tirade which also included profane gesturing.

The hearing also included close analysis by panel members of Tyson's psychological state, psychiatric history, overall fighting fitness and even a video presentation offered by Tyson's representatives, of a scene from the movie "Crocodile Dundee in LA" depicting Tyson describing meditation, apparently used to demonstrate that Tyson is capable of thoughtful dialogue. Also presented was video depicting the incident involving Tyson, Lewis and their respective entourages. Throughout the hearing Tyson, dressed in a conservative gray suit and dark tie, could be seen wiping perspiration from his face with a borrowed handkerchief. One panel member, who voted against Tyson, described Tyson's demeanor as "exemplary".

An awkward moment did occur when Tyson, trying to portray himself as unlike the "crazy" term occasionally used to describe him, suggested jokingly that he may like spending time with women in a "crazy" places but that he is not a rapist. At this point, the female member of the panel suggested that it may not be appropriate for Tyson to make such a humorous reference, given his previous rape conviction.

Lennox Lewis: "Tyson bit a piece of flesh out of my thigh"

30.01 - Lennox Lewis: "Prior to today, I have made no public statements concerning the events of January 22. I remained silent at the direct instruction and insistence of my attorneys, who advised me that revealing the truth about what occurred would have undoubtedly led to a lawsuit by Mike Tyson claiming that I interfered with the licensing process."

"In addition, I believed that the Nevada State Athletic Commission, for whom I have the greatest respect and whose integrity is beyond dispute, should make its decision in the best interests of boxing, without regard to what I may or may not have wanted. However, now that the licensing proceedings are over, and a license has been denied, I am no longer bound to remain silent."

"The fact is that Mike Tyson bit through my trousers and took a significant piece of flesh out of my thigh. I was particularly disturbed by the fact that he went before the Commission today and did not tell the truth by denying what he knows occurred."

"I have made no decision yet about the possibility of fighting Mike Tyson in another jurisdiction that may license him because I want to consider carefully the reasons expressed by the Commission in denying the license. In addition, I am still consulting with my attorneys as to the legal consequences should I declare that I will not go forward with the bout.  I know that all of my fans were looking forward to the Lewis/Tyson fight, as was I.  I am sorry that the situation has not yet been resolved.