imo, tyson being fined for his comments about eating lennox lewis' children is dumb. otoh, tyson NOT being fined HEAVILY or BANNED from bouts in britain for his conduct in the ring against savarese is crazy.... (i really enjoyed promoter frank warren's recommendation at the end of the article)....
Tyson Fined But Not Banned in Britain
LONDON (Reuters) - Mike Tyson was fined a record $185,700
by the British Boxing Board of Control Tuesday -- but he can
still fight in Britain.
The Board, who had charged Tyson with bringing the sport
into disrepute following his victory over Lou Savarese in
Glasgow in June, found him guilty of fighting after the bell
and making ``reprehensible'' comments about Britain's world
heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
Tyson threw punches after the bout was stopped after just
38 seconds and referee John Coyle was knocked to the canvas. He
then launched a verbal tirade at Lewis. ``I want to eat your
heart out,'' said Tyson. ``I want to eat your children.''
Tyson, who did not attend the hearing, has six weeks to pay
the fine or his boxing license will be suspended. Any future
British bouts will only be sanctioned if he personally applies
for a license.
``I found Mike Tyson's comments about Lennox Lewis totally
reprehensible,'' said Board chairman Lord Brooks.
``The Board has decided to administer a formal reprimand.
Mr. Tyson has to consider his responsibilities to those that
look up to him.
``We believe it is right to take this opportunity to remind
him of his obligations.
``Tyson's behavior during the contest was unacceptable and
he stands guilty as charged.
``We considered imposing a ban and suspension of license but
after looking at all the evidence we decided to fine Mr. Tyson
125,000 pounds.
``Furthermore, Mr. Tyson will have to apply personally to
the British Boxing Board of Control's stewards to box within
our jurisdiction. He must also pay costs, totaling 1,000 pounds
($1,485).''
Tyson's British legal team said they were disappointed with
the decision but refused to be drawn on whether Tyson would
appeal.
``Mike Tyson wants to box on without any hindrance and we
are considering, with him, whether to appeal against the level
of the fine,'' said London-based media lawyer Mark Stephens.
Fight promoter Frank Warren showed little sympathy for the
fate of the former undisputed heavyweight world champion.
``I don't think Mike Tyson can complain about the way he has
been treated -- I'd not promote another of his fights,'' he
said.
``It's the biggest fine given to a boxer on these Isles by
110,000 pounds ($163,400). I'd have recommended life
imprisonment.'' |
