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Tyson `corrupting his soul'
Tyson, who converted to the Muslim faith during his incarceration a few years ago, told reporters this week he was conned out of $250,000 by a Muslim group in Las Vegas. Tyson said he donated money toward the construction of a mosque but doubts it will get built.
That didn't sit well with the local Muslim community. A press release was issued yesterday admonishing the controversial fighter for his statements: "We suggest Brother Mike Tyson cease and desist from making inaccurate and slanderous statements, unless he has wisely consulted and adhered to the Holy Koran for validation. For such actions are corrupting to his own soul."
The group responsible for building the mosque said construction plans have been completed, but there have been delays on the project because of a change in the mosque's administration.
KING OF DOUBLE TALK: In explaining how he came up with the title The Sound and the Fury for tomorrow night's fight card, loud promoter Don King said he was inspired by two American literary greats, first by "Ernie" Hemingway, who then referred him to "Bill" Faulkner who wrote the classic novel The Sound and the Fury. King called Hemingway and Faulkner "my good friends."
The mouth the roars was at it again yesterday, weaving the works of Victor Hugo and William Shakespeare into the fabric of the Tyson-Holyfield fight, although this time he never claimed they were his friends.
The Boxing Hall of Fame in upstate New York was criticized recently for inducting King, who served time for manslaughter in the 1960s. King, however, is greatly appreciative and now vows to fight for Pete Rose's induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. Rose's gambling history has kept him out of the Hall.
SUE ME, SUE YOU: King, sued in May by Terry Norris in an attempt to break a contract, filed a $70-million suit against the fighter in federal court yesterday.
King's suit seeks to maintain the promotional contract signed in October 1996 between King and Norris, the WBC welterweight champion, and prevent Norris from signing with any other promoter.
The suit, citing a newspaper story, says Norris is being managed by Scott Woodworth, who manages the fighter's brother, Orlin Norris, and who wants to have the brothers promoted by Bob Arum.
The King suit seeks $20 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages, in addition to a permanent injunction preventing Norris from signing with another promoter.