Tyson: I need fight to clear debts
Mike Tyson is hoping his fight with England’s Danny Williams next month will help clear debts of around €32m.
The former world heavyweight champion’s settlement of a £60m lawsuit against former promoter Don King is only part of his plan to pay off the money he owes to creditors, the Internal Revenue Service and his ex-wife Monica.
The other part is for him to fight seven times over the next three years – the first of those against Williams – to pay back the vast sum he now owes.
The first fight, against Williams, takes place on July 30 at Freedom Hall, Louisville.
“I love to do what I do to pay all of my bills,” said Tyson.
“I am the most foolish person I know. I am a fool, but I am glad to be back.”
Tyson, 38, has not fought since a first-round knockout of Clifford Etienne on February 22, 2003. That was his only fight since his defeat by Lennox Lewis in a June 2002 heavyweight championship bout.
“I have been training for a few months,” Tyson said.
“You guys (the media) will be the judge on whether I have the eye of the tiger or not.”
Tyson settled the seven-year lawsuit with King, who was accused of stealing millions from his purses from 1995-97.
It is believed Tyson, who spent three years in prison for rape, has squandered close to €283m in purse money.
“I have a chequered past, but this is the greatest country in the world,” Tyson said.
“I certainly deserve a second chance to sweep the past away.”
