Testing times for Tyson

The questions surrounding Tyson as he prepares for the rematch are similar to those that greeted his release from prison on March 25, 1995, after serving three years of six-year sentence for rape.

Then, the boxing world wanted to know how four years out of the ring, and the rigour of prison life had affected Tyson physically and mentally.

His debacle of a comeback fight against unknown Peter McNeeley, disqualified in the first round, did nothing to answer the questions, nor did his third-round knockout of Buster Mathis Jr.

Two more quick victories, in three rounds over Briton Frank Bruno and in one round over Bruce Seldon, brought Tyson the heavyweight world title once again and reinforced his reputation as the one fighter of his generation who could instill raw fear in world-class opponents.

While Tyson8217;s aura of invincibility has always been one of his chief assets in the ring, there are signs he is finding it a burden outside the ring.Nor is Holyfield concerned about where this fight will rank in boxing8217;s history books.

8220;We don8217;t know if the fight is going to be a classic until it8217;s over,8221; Holyfield said. 8220;Even then, it isn8217;t for me to say if it is or isn8217;t.

Whether it8217;s the greatest is a matter of opinion. You8217;ll have to review it afterwards and chalk it in your list.8221;

Tyson, too was reluctant to rank the fight before the fact. 8220;I don8217;t know. There8217;s been many great fights,8221; he said. 8220;I don8217;t know if this will be the greatest fight ever. I know it8217;s been built up as the greatest fight ever.8221;

Great or not, a gross worldwide income of 130 million has been projected for the 12-round pay-per-view match making it the richest match in history. Holyfield is getting 35 million and Tyson 30 million.

Jay Larkin of Showtime TV boasts that ringside commentary will be beamed out in 11 languages, including three dialects of Chinese.

Las Vegas hoteliers credit the bout with ending a slump in occupancy. The 16,331-seat MGM Grand Garden arena is sold out and local casinos have sold thousands of seats at closed circuit television venues.

Behind the hype lies fascination, mainly with the 30-year old Tyson and his ability to bounce back from the second 8212; and worst 8212; defeat of his career. As of yesterday, Tyson was a 2-1 favourite, despite the fact that many insiders predict an even faster Holyfield victory this time around.

Trainer Emmanuel Steward said six months was too short a time for Tyson to make significant changes to his style. Increased aggression on his part will only give Holyfield more chances to counter. That is exactly what Holyfield is hoping for.

8220;I do expect him to be more aggressive, which plays into my hands,8221; Holyfield said. 8220;It will make the fight end a lot quicker than it did last time.8221;

Tyson says he made some mistakes in the first fight which he will correct in order to win. But he said revenge is not an issue.

Further tantalising fight fans was the postponement from the original may date, because Tyson re-injured a cut over his eye in training.

At the time of the postponement, rumours were rife that Tyson was beset by personal problems and had not been training properly. That raised the additional question of whether Tyson had recovered psychologically from the defeat, and could win against an opponent who was clearly not intimidated by him.

Tyson has had more pro fights than Holyfield 47 to 36, but he had a much shorter amateur career. Holyfield, 6-foot-2 1/2 held his ground against the 5-11 1/2 Tyson and often moved him back by planting his left foot between Tyson8217;s feet and pushing.

Holyfield and Tyson each weighed in officially yesterday at 218 pounds. That is four pounds less than Tyson weighed for the first fight and three more than Holyfield weighed.

Holyfield, however, must guard against looking for an early knockout. That could lead to a costly mistake against the hard-punching Tyson, who has 39 knockouts on his 45-2 record. Holyfield8217;s record is 33-324 KO. Nine fighters have tried to regain the heavyweight title from men who took it from them, but only three succeeded 8212; Holyfield from Riddick Bowe, Ali from Leon Spinks and Floyd Patterson from Ingemar Johansson. Failing were Bob Fitzsimmons against Jim Jeffries, Jack Dempsey against Gene Tunney, Jersey Joe Walcott against Rocky Marciano, Patterson against Sonny Liston, Liston against Ali and Larry Holmes against Michael Spinks.