28.07.04 – MIKE TYSON: “I cannot dwell on the past. Most of my past was not euphoric. The future seems so much brighter than the past. The layoff between fights has not been fun. I have been miserable with myself. My professional life is going great now, though my personal life stinks (laughing). I do not have anyone. I am alone.
“I am 38. I am not Moses. You (the media) make me out to be Moses. I am only three or four years older than the world champions. Age is in the mind. As long as you are physically in good shape, age should not matter.
“I am very appreciative of the response and reception I have received from Louisville. It is a little embarrassing and humbling. I have trained hard. I did not train for a short fight. I am ready.’’
DANNY WILLIAMS : “I have trained hard from a young age to beat a fighter like Tyson, and I am looking forward to this opportunity. I have always wanted to be the best that I put too much pressure on myself. It is amazing that this is the fight of a lifetime and I feel relaxed. I am confident. Mike’s best chances are in the first four rounds. After that, he is mine.”
LAILA ALI
“It is nice to be here in Louisville where it all started for my family and my dad. I just fought two weeks ago, but was not happy with my performance. I came into the ring mad and did not display my boxing skills. I appreciate Nuñez taking this fight. A lot of boxers say they want to fight me, but when they get the call, they change their minds.
“This fight really is not about winning. It is all about looking good and displaying my boxing skills.’’
MONICA NUÑEZ
“I am coming here to show my talent and put on a good show. This is a great chance for me to make a name for myself and win the world title.’’
NELSON DIEPPA
“Whenever a boxer from Puerto Rican fights a fighter from Mexico, it is a war. With respect to the heavyweights, the little guys in the lighter weights always make for the best fights. This is the fight to watch Friday night. Solis says he wants to beat me and take the belt back to Mexico. The only way my belt will ever wind up in Mexico is if I go on vacation there and take it with me. Since 2001, this title has been in Puerto Rico and it will stay there until I retire.”
ULISES SOLIS
“This is a great opportunity for me, and I plan to take advantage of it. I will give my best to win.’’
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson (50-4-2, 2 NC, 44 KOs) will face World Boxing Union (WBU) International Champion Danny Williams (31-3, 26 KOs) in a 10-round showdown live on pay per view, Friday, July 30. The TYSON-WILLIAMS pay-per-view telecast from Freedom Hall in Louisville will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Straight Out Promotions will present the event, which will be distributed by SHOWTIME Pay Per View and carries a suggested retail price of $44.95.
Rounding out the SHOWTIME pay-per-view telecast, Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Middleweight Champion Laila Ali (17-0, 14 KOs) will make her second title defense when she meets Monica Nuñez (9-1, 5 KOs) and Nelson Dieppa (20-1-2, 12 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior flyweight crown for the fourth time when he battles undefeated Ulises Solis (18-0-1, 13 KOs).