From the bench: 'Iron' Mike is back

By Manuel Gamiz Jr., On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 21, 1998

"Iron" Mike Tyson pleaded with the Nevada Athletic Commission that he has suffered enough for biting Evander Holyfield's ears during a fight on June 28, 1997.

Now that the commission voted to allow Tyson to re-enter the boxing ring, the suffering will be over for fight fans throughout the world.

Once again, the world will witness the strength of the man who became the youngest heavyweight champion on Nov. 22, 1986, when Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round to win the WBO title.

And once again, the world will witness the endurance that lasted 15 rounds with Tony Tucker to capture the IBF title - the third of his career - on Aug. 1, 1987.

The story of "Iron" Mike began on March 6, 1985, when Tyson scored a first-round knockout over Hector Mercedes.

Three titles later, Tyson became the most intimidating force in boxing.

Tyson is already headed in the right direction by cutting his relationship with promoter Don King and firing his co-managers, John Horne and Rory Holloway.

Former Laker Earvin "Magic" Johnson says that he will be making all of Tyson's career decisions. However, the Associated Press reported that Shelly Finkel will continue his role as Tyson's main advisor.

The AP reported Tuesday that the Tyson camp is close to settling a lawsuit stemming from a minor traffic accident Aug. 31 in Maryland, in which Tyson was charged with assaulting two motorists.

If Tyson would have been convicted, the entire Nevada Athletic Commission ruling would not have mattered because of his probation.

Now that the Tyson saga has concluded its latest chapter, the world can only wait and see what the "baddest man on the planet" does next.