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Cable Network to let former heavyweight champion deliver blow-by-blow
NEW YORK (AP) Mike yson may get a chance to talk about boxing even before he tries to climb back into the ring.The former heavyweight champ, whose infamous ear-biting of Evander Holyfield last month led to the revocation of his boxing license and a $3 million fine, could eventually return as an analyst for Showtime's boxing broadcast team.
Jay Larkin, an executive producer for Showtime boxing programs, said Thursday that reports that the cable network was considering hiring Tyson to help deliver the blow-by-blow of matches were premature.
"I will not rule out anything, nor will I endorse anything at this moment, until I know what Mike is doing with his life," Larkin said.
Tyson was sanctioned Wednesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Technically, Tyson is only prevented from boxing in Nevada. But other states are expected to honor the ban. Tyson can reapply for his license as early as next year.
Showtime has not had any contact with Tyson since the fight, Larkin said. And the network, realizing credibility is an issue, would not consider using him as an analyst until he shows he has gotten his life back on track.
"Mike has a lot of accounting to do, a lot of healing to do. And I don't think that throwing him in front of a camera would be the best thing right now," Larkin said. "... But at the right time, it's something we would do."
Tyson has worked as an analyst for Showtime on two previous occasions, the first time in 1990, just before he went to prison for his rape conviction and a second time in 1995, Larkin said.
"He did an excellent job both times," Larkin said.