By Rick Reeno
It appears that Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum is still interested in promoting former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Prior to the fight with Danny Williams, Arum had a multi-fight deal worth $80 million dollars on the table for Tyson. After Tyson was upset by Williams, Arum said the deal was no longer on the table and he was no longer interested in promoting Tyson.
Norm Frauenheim of The Arizona Republic recently spoke with Arum who told the paper that he has a renewed interest in promoting Mike Tyson. Arum feels Tyson is still "worth the risk" in promoting. Arum wants to bring Tyson back in the same fashion as he did with George Foreman, a layout that Arum calls the "Foreman Plan". Part 1 of The Foreman Plan consists of fighting a string of easy opponents to gain confidence and the fans attention. Part 2 consists of facing one or two B level opponents with name recognition. The final part of the plan is then to either face the heavyweight champion or a big money A level opponent.
"We spoke while he was in Florida (Buddy McGirt's gym). We'll see. First of all, it's important for him to get his confidence back. Put him in two or three fights to restore confidence that he can beat anybody. Take him abroad. Put him on free TV. Don't ask people to pay big money the first few times out. That just would make everybody mad." said Arum