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Bringing it to a slow boil
The American mega-promoter likes his media conferences fast, furious and controversial. Screaming is good, so is a little physical intimidation.
But "The Only-in-America Man" got none of that yesterday from either Mike Tyson or Evander Holyfield, the gladiators who will meet for Holyfield's WBA heavyweight title on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Hotel. What the bombastic King did get, much to his absolute horror and chagrin, was order, grace and, heaven forbid, goodwill between the combatants.
Tyson praised Allah. Holyfield gave thanks to Jesus Christ many, many times. Sure, each fighter predicted victory on Saturday night - which King modestly describes as the "greatest fight in the history of boxing" - but there were no brash predictions or harsh words. It was more of a mutual respect for each other's abilities, a rare occurrence in boxing, especially when Iron Mike Tyson, the mad scientist of the sweet science, is on the bill.
Tyson, who shockingly was stopped by Holyfield in the 11th round in their first encounter last Nov. 9, was on his best behavior yesterday, other than the occasional act of boredom and disinterest, when he would bury his head in his hands on top of the table during someone's speech. But what do you expect for $30 million, a mauler with manners?
"All I know is, I'm going to fight and he's not going to have the championship on Saturday night," Tyson said.
Not exactly explosive stuff.
Eventually King got into the act of giving thanks and praise, although the controversial boxing pitchman reserved his tidings of goodwill for those responsible for helping him put together Saturday's extravaganza.
In fact, the only hyperbole provided on the afternoon came from the two female boxers on the card - the popular Christy Martin and her opponent Andrea Deshong - and the man known as The Crocodile, a spaced-out, fatigue-donned street hustler hired by King to yell and scream before, after and during all media conferences.
But even the Croc's act is getting a little stale.
"He's no Bundini Brown," a veteran boxing writer said, referring to Muhammad Ali's late handler, one of the most colorful and long-winded characters in the history of the sport.
At one point, when Holyfield was discussing the value of spirituality, The Croc snapped: "Boring!" Even King looked uncomfortable at that remark.
The fact is, the final media conference yesterday was a dull affair, but the fight itself has the makings of a classic.
Holyfield, a warhorse who has been raising a fist in professional anger (it's never personal with him) since 1984, was, at one point, a 25-1 underdog heading into their first clash last November, having suffered two losses in the previous two years to the limited Michael Moorer and the hefty Riddick Bowe. But the 34-year-old Atlanta native, 33-3, stunned almost everyone by dominating Tyson for only Iron Mike's second loss of his career.
Even Tyson was surprised. But that loss, he said, has made him all the more determined.
"Will this be the biggest fight of all time?" asked Tyson, 45-2. "I don't know. All I do know is that I'll be ready."