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This is an archive article published on June 11, 2000

Manic depression fears put Tyson fight in balance

LONDON, JUNE 10: Mike Tyson's fight against fellow American Lou Savarese at Hampden Park in Glasgow on June 24 has been cast into doubt af...

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LONDON, JUNE 10: Mike Tyson’s fight against fellow American Lou Savarese at Hampden Park in Glasgow on June 24 has been cast into doubt after revelations that the former undisputed world heavyweight champion is on medication for manic depression.

The prescription drugs allegedly make Tyson too mellow to train properly and when he comes off them, he is said to be out of control and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) stressed on Friday that they want more details before the fight can go ahead.

Adrian Whiteson, chief medical officer at the BBBC, said: “If a boxer is not fit enough to participate in the opinion of the medical advisers and the governing body of the sport, that participant would not partake.”

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Whiteson also claimed that the board would be seeking answers from the fighter’s doctors as to why he was put on the medication. “I want chapter and verse from his medical advisers who have put him on these drugs,” he told BBC radio.

However, fight promoter Frank Warren was quick to play down the concerns. “If the British Boxing Board of Control want any more information, it will be provided,” he claimed.

“It will be dealt with and there will be no problem. Mike will undergo the normal medical test.”

Warren added: “I’m annoyed at the negativity about the show. Fortunately, there has been a great response from the ticket-buying public. Mike has been training hard and looks in great shape, as his sparring partners will testify.”

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