What happens now - The Mike Tyson BBQ Grill?

By Kenny Giles

11.06 - It's a harsh statement, but fair. The ending of 'Rocky' saw Apollo Creed and Mr. Balboa exchange dialogue along the lines of, "ain't gonna be no rematch" met by the response "don't want one" - a fitting conclusion to what should have been the only Rocky movie to have been produced (perhaps with the exception of number three, who can ever forget Eye of the Tiger and Mr. T). However, what followed was indeed a rematch in the form of Rocky II - exactly the same movie as before, only this time the result is turned around to bring a smile to the lovely face of Mrs. Balboa.

This, I fear, is what would happen should Tyson and Lewis manage to con the viewing public into another fight, an exact repeat with Lewis the victor once again. I for one do not want to see this unfold, no serious understanding of boxing is required to see that Tyson brought nothing to the table on Saturday to suggest otherwise. Now that the excitement has cooled I see the facts very clearly; Lewis is a boxer with skilful variety and strength in his armour, qualities that have greatly improved with time and experience during his career. Tyson was a fighter with daunting hand speed, body movement and a killer punch. Round one of Saturday's fight hinted at these qualities but the remaining seven rounds demonstrated to me that Iron Mike has no more to offer in the ring and if ever there was a perfect time to retire with dignity, surely it's now. Yes it is now, and don't call me Shirley.

As I was about to applaud Tyson for his dignified post-fight behaviour, my heart sank as he begged Lewis for a rematch. I started to feel sorry for him, the same sympathy I felt for La Motta at the end of 'Raging Bull' - but why should I be sorry? The reason is simple, I find it hard to admit to myself that the Mike Tyson legacy is finally over. I went through my teens watching the heavyweight division ripped apart and Trevor Berbick's 'jelly legs' will live with me forever, but I still have to remind myself this was over a decade ago and Tyson is now almost 36 years old. So what now? Perhaps one more Holyfield bout? Whatever, just no rematch with Lewis - please spare the sport that embarrassment! As for Lewis, he must feel he has at least two more fights left in him and perhaps once again Holyfield could fit into the equation. To be brutally honest, the Tyson fight was too easy for him - the anticipated challenge never materialised. This, it has to be said, is largely down to how Lewis refused to allow Tyson into the fight and past that perplexing jab.

Midway through Saturday's contest, as Lewis headed towards his 'career defining' moment, Tyson
demonstrated a defining moment of his own: "You've got two hands Mike," raved the corner, "use both hands, get inside."

"I can't," responded Tyson, "I can't."