SEARCH NEWS:

 

Tyson Wins License to Box in D.C.

"The action came after a raucous hearing at which hundreds of supporters turned out for Tyson, a convicted rapist whose application for a license had been rejected in three states and opposed by the governor of a fourth.

"…The action by the three-member commission, which was appointed by Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D) and had his backing on the Tyson fight, strengthens the city's bid to land what has been touted as the richest fight in boxing history. Supporters say it would generate revenue of more than $150 million and pump as much as $10 million into the city's economy.

"The fight between Tyson and heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is tentatively slated for June 8 at MCI Center, but several other cities are vying for it as well.

"…Last night's action came three weeks after the commission made an identical preliminary decision in a conference call, prompting opposition from religious leaders, feminists and the Greater Washington Board of Trade, which argued that hosting a convicted rapist would sully the city's image.

"Since then, commission members have met privately with Tyson and ordered four hours of physical and psychological tests for the boxer, which included questions about current events and Tyson's daily life, according to [Tyson's adviser, Shelly] Finkel.

"…Ninety-two people submitted written testimony, with a split of 54 to 38 for Tyson. Once the meeting got underway, the mood became decisively and loudly pro-Tyson. As speaker after speaker told the commission that Tyson had a right to fight, applause and calls of support flowed from the standing-room-only crowd.

"…Opposition to the license was muted last night. The Board of Trade decided to submit its opposition in writing rather than have someone testify. Protesters from the National Organization for Women chanted and carried signs saying `Rapists Should Not Be Role Models' and `Don't Give Our Capital a Black Eye.' But they stayed outside the meeting.

"…Boxing commissions in Colorado, Nevada and Texas recently rejected licenses for Tyson…"

< Gaming News