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On This Day: Mike Tyson demolished British champion Julius Francis
Claude Abrams witnessed Mike Tyson predictably take care of Julius Francis on January 29, 2000
WE now know Mike Tyson can still put bums on seats and vastly inferior heavyweights on their bums.
A sell-out crowd of 21,000 at the MEN Arena witnessed a predictable two-round demolition of British champion Julius Francis.
The exercise, to make Tyson appear devastating, was a success and lasted a mere four minutes three seconds. The Londoner was down five times, twice in the first.
The result reveals little about Tyson’s ability to perform in esteemed company again. We knew he would be too good for Francis.
By his own admission, Tyson is not quite ready for world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who opted to remain in Jamaica rather than partake in some ringside commentary.
His absence was noted and didn’t surprise anyone. But Tyson’s extraordinary two-week stay in Britain generated enough interest with Lewis to ensue the match – if it can be made – will become one of the most expensive in the sport’s history.
Tyson’s modest self-evaluation has more to do with not wanting to rush into another major contest than any lack of confidence.
“I need a few more rounds and fights before I’m ready. But when I do (fight him), I’m sure I’ll be victorious.”
The former world heavyweight champion returned to America the following morning, destined for Phoenix and more training as he gets read for fellow-New Yorker Lou Savarese, a beatable but more creditable opponent than Francis, in New Jersey on March 25.
Tyson said he hoped to have his next two fights in Europe, not America, where he claims he is “treated like a monster”, but the Savarese match is almost sure to be on home soil.
We can be fairly certain he will return, if not to Britain, then perhaps France, Denmark or Germany, where local promoters are lining up to promote him.
French promoter Michel Acaries held talks with Shelly Finkel, Tyson’s manager, in Manchester last weekend and discussed the possibility of a match beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“There’s an 80 percent chance,” said Acaries. “But there’s a lot to be organized”.
The idea to stage a match beneath the famous structure has been the 26-year dream of former top French middleweight Jean-Claude Bouttier, who now works for cable TV network Canal Plus.
If successful in march, Tyson will fight again in Europe in June and August, thus completing his contractual obligations with Showtime, his paymasters.
From there, negotiations for a match with Lewis, who must overcome unbeaten Michael Grant in New York on April 29 and either David Tua or Frans Botha in England on July 15, can be put into motion.
Waiting in the wings are the Klitschko brothers Vitali and Wladimir, ringside guests in Manchester.
Vitali, the WBO champion, was not impressed by Tyson’s demonstration of power.
The giant Ukrainian has also stopped Francis – in Germany in April 1998 – taking 127 seconds longer.
“He showed no jab, no combinations and has not improved,” said Klitschko. “I don’t want to be too critical, but the opponent [17st 6 1/2lbs and a little fat according to Tyson] was a human punchbag.”
The undefeated Ukrainian’s wish is to fight Tyson this year, a sure sell-out anywhere in Europe. Asked if he would prefer Lewis or Tyson., Klitschko paused before replaying: “It’s hard to say. Lewis has three belts, but Tyson’s the bigger name. Tyson, I suppose.”
But to Francis, who has always been found wanting at the highest level, Tyson appeared back to his best.
“He’s a great fighter,” said Julius, who handed Tyson a piece of paper at the end of the Press conference and asked for an autograph. “He proved it. He’s a great puncher. Boxing’s a tough game. There’s going to be pain involved. I knew it would be tough.”
Someone asked: “What about the body shots?”
Julius replied with one word: “Painful”.
There is a clear-cut way to beat Tyson – for every punch the American throws, land two in return. But there aren’t many fighters, even today, who are durable, strong, fit and crafty enough to implement the plan.
Tyson can still hit hard. His hands are quick. He showed some nice footwork to create space to throw his h9ooks, uppercuts and body shots. There was slightly more head movement.
The signs are Tyson has worked at this craft in the gym, but Julius was a static target. He didn’t try to tuck up the way he did against Pele Reid a year ago; didn’t box and move as he did against Danny Williams last April.
Francis’ strategy – whatever it was – went out the window as soon as Tyson crashed home his first punches.
Like Michael Spinks, wiped out in 91 seconds in 1988, Francis seemed to forget all he had learned during training in Aldershot.
Any genuine belief that he could win faded with each step Tyson took in his direction.
But to those who questioned his bravery, the south Londoner, like Herbie Hide again Rid**** Bowe in 1995, picked himself off the floor several times when he could easily have stayed down.
“I was surprised he kept getting up,” said Tyson. “This is what I want to do every time out, but Julius showed a lot of hear,”
The first knockdown cam from a terrific right uppercut, but it was hard to see precisely which punches did the damage on the other four occasions, particularly the final time.
A few disgruntled fans jeered Francis as he left the ring and thanked them for their support. Tyson was cheered loudly.
When Tyson entered the arena, the roar which greeted the American virtually smothered minority voices of derision.
The atmosphere, unlike the show, was magnificent, the turnout of fighters past and present – Marvin Hagler (who received a great welcome), Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Steve Collins, Alan Minter, Lloyd Honeyghan, Dennis Andries, Jeff Fenech, Harry Simon, Johnny Nelson (being touted as a future Tyson opponent), Kevin Lueshing and Ryan Rhodes – splendid.
Tyson came to meet the Press in record time after showering. Usually, he keeps us waiting. And when promoter Frank Warren tried to wrap up the proceedings swiftly – “Last question”, he said – Tyson who seemed to be enjoying himself, replied: “No, I’m all right. I haven’t spoken to these guys for some time.”
It was 12.30am and one or two supporters remained in a virtually empty arena. Tyson sat at a table in the ring with Warren and Finkel either side.
As Tyson spoke, one of the spectators shouted: “Would you like to fight in Manchester again?”
“I’d love to”, replied Tyson. “When are you going to beat Lewis?” another hollered. “One day”, was Tyson’s reply. “We had a lot of fun tonight. Thank you Manchester,” he continued.
In an interview with Sky’s Ian Darke earlier in the week, Tyson spoke of his later egos.
Talking afterwards was Mike the happy family man who had completed his work, not Tyson the fighter.
The other side to the 33-year-old had seen him storm through the hotel lobby on the day of the weigh-in with his minders, stopping to pose for photos with former heavyweight Earnie Shavers and Honeyghan, on his way to the airport.
It was reported he wanted to go home and call the fight off. Tyson returned, weighed in, seemed content again, even though Julius still kept him waiting.
The boxer explained: “I went to fetch my wife and children. I was told they weren’t coming. The kids were sick, but I wanted them to come anyway.”
Warren, who would obviously like to remain involved in Tyson’s plans but is keeping his cards close to his chest, said: “All we’ve asked is that he gets treated the same as anyone else. What damage did it do [letting him into the country]?”
Tyson thanked Jack Straw in his post-fight interview and the Krays for sending him flowers.
Staff at the Midland Hotel in Manchester said they had never seen any personality attract similar interest, not even Princess Diana.
Fans had gathered outside his hotel each day until the fight. Julius was at Old Trafford, where Manchester United won again, and made an appearance at half-time.
The last fortnight was a memorable experience for both. No one was seriously hurt and both were well paid. Those spectators who felt cheated were naďve.
Julius, who will presumably continue his career and defend his domestic crown (Michael Holden, his sparing partner, has been mentioned as a possible challenger), can claim he lasted longer than Spinks, Carl Williams and Bruce Seldon.
His sponsors, The Mirror, must be satisfied their logo, printed on the soles of the Londoner’s boots, received ample exposure.
Tyson made the usual no-nonsense entrance which had the crowd bubbling and, following his victory, as his entourage all celebrated and nodded approvingly to him, Iron Mike showed no trace of elation.
“I’m an American. I’m from Brooklyn and Catskill, New York,” he said, declaring his roots when asked if he would fight in the States again.
Tyson’s display was cool and typically ruthless. But better men, like Evander Holyfield, have revealed a different edge to Tyson’s fighting personality.
Finkel, who once managed Holyfield, is not thinking of going down that road again. The objective is for Tyson to have three more fights before Lewis. But within a year Tyson could heat Lennox and Holyfield could perform one more miracle by defeating his great rival a third time.
There is a greater chance of that scenario unfolding than the three belts (four if you include the IBO) remaining unified for the next 12 months.
Claude Abrams witnessed Mike Tyson predictably take care of Julius Francis on January 29, 2000
WE now know Mike Tyson can still put bums on seats and vastly inferior heavyweights on their bums.
A sell-out crowd of 21,000 at the MEN Arena witnessed a predictable two-round demolition of British champion Julius Francis.
The exercise, to make Tyson appear devastating, was a success and lasted a mere four minutes three seconds. The Londoner was down five times, twice in the first.
The result reveals little about Tyson’s ability to perform in esteemed company again. We knew he would be too good for Francis.
By his own admission, Tyson is not quite ready for world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who opted to remain in Jamaica rather than partake in some ringside commentary.
His absence was noted and didn’t surprise anyone. But Tyson’s extraordinary two-week stay in Britain generated enough interest with Lewis to ensue the match – if it can be made – will become one of the most expensive in the sport’s history.
Tyson’s modest self-evaluation has more to do with not wanting to rush into another major contest than any lack of confidence.
“I need a few more rounds and fights before I’m ready. But when I do (fight him), I’m sure I’ll be victorious.”
The former world heavyweight champion returned to America the following morning, destined for Phoenix and more training as he gets read for fellow-New Yorker Lou Savarese, a beatable but more creditable opponent than Francis, in New Jersey on March 25.
Tyson said he hoped to have his next two fights in Europe, not America, where he claims he is “treated like a monster”, but the Savarese match is almost sure to be on home soil.
We can be fairly certain he will return, if not to Britain, then perhaps France, Denmark or Germany, where local promoters are lining up to promote him.
French promoter Michel Acaries held talks with Shelly Finkel, Tyson’s manager, in Manchester last weekend and discussed the possibility of a match beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“There’s an 80 percent chance,” said Acaries. “But there’s a lot to be organized”.
The idea to stage a match beneath the famous structure has been the 26-year dream of former top French middleweight Jean-Claude Bouttier, who now works for cable TV network Canal Plus.
If successful in march, Tyson will fight again in Europe in June and August, thus completing his contractual obligations with Showtime, his paymasters.
From there, negotiations for a match with Lewis, who must overcome unbeaten Michael Grant in New York on April 29 and either David Tua or Frans Botha in England on July 15, can be put into motion.
Waiting in the wings are the Klitschko brothers Vitali and Wladimir, ringside guests in Manchester.
Vitali, the WBO champion, was not impressed by Tyson’s demonstration of power.
The giant Ukrainian has also stopped Francis – in Germany in April 1998 – taking 127 seconds longer.
“He showed no jab, no combinations and has not improved,” said Klitschko. “I don’t want to be too critical, but the opponent [17st 6 1/2lbs and a little fat according to Tyson] was a human punchbag.”
The undefeated Ukrainian’s wish is to fight Tyson this year, a sure sell-out anywhere in Europe. Asked if he would prefer Lewis or Tyson., Klitschko paused before replaying: “It’s hard to say. Lewis has three belts, but Tyson’s the bigger name. Tyson, I suppose.”
But to Francis, who has always been found wanting at the highest level, Tyson appeared back to his best.
“He’s a great fighter,” said Julius, who handed Tyson a piece of paper at the end of the Press conference and asked for an autograph. “He proved it. He’s a great puncher. Boxing’s a tough game. There’s going to be pain involved. I knew it would be tough.”
Someone asked: “What about the body shots?”
Julius replied with one word: “Painful”.
There is a clear-cut way to beat Tyson – for every punch the American throws, land two in return. But there aren’t many fighters, even today, who are durable, strong, fit and crafty enough to implement the plan.
Tyson can still hit hard. His hands are quick. He showed some nice footwork to create space to throw his h9ooks, uppercuts and body shots. There was slightly more head movement.
The signs are Tyson has worked at this craft in the gym, but Julius was a static target. He didn’t try to tuck up the way he did against Pele Reid a year ago; didn’t box and move as he did against Danny Williams last April.
Francis’ strategy – whatever it was – went out the window as soon as Tyson crashed home his first punches.
Like Michael Spinks, wiped out in 91 seconds in 1988, Francis seemed to forget all he had learned during training in Aldershot.
Any genuine belief that he could win faded with each step Tyson took in his direction.
But to those who questioned his bravery, the south Londoner, like Herbie Hide again Rid**** Bowe in 1995, picked himself off the floor several times when he could easily have stayed down.
“I was surprised he kept getting up,” said Tyson. “This is what I want to do every time out, but Julius showed a lot of hear,”
The first knockdown cam from a terrific right uppercut, but it was hard to see precisely which punches did the damage on the other four occasions, particularly the final time.
A few disgruntled fans jeered Francis as he left the ring and thanked them for their support. Tyson was cheered loudly.
When Tyson entered the arena, the roar which greeted the American virtually smothered minority voices of derision.
The atmosphere, unlike the show, was magnificent, the turnout of fighters past and present – Marvin Hagler (who received a great welcome), Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Steve Collins, Alan Minter, Lloyd Honeyghan, Dennis Andries, Jeff Fenech, Harry Simon, Johnny Nelson (being touted as a future Tyson opponent), Kevin Lueshing and Ryan Rhodes – splendid.
Tyson came to meet the Press in record time after showering. Usually, he keeps us waiting. And when promoter Frank Warren tried to wrap up the proceedings swiftly – “Last question”, he said – Tyson who seemed to be enjoying himself, replied: “No, I’m all right. I haven’t spoken to these guys for some time.”
It was 12.30am and one or two supporters remained in a virtually empty arena. Tyson sat at a table in the ring with Warren and Finkel either side.
As Tyson spoke, one of the spectators shouted: “Would you like to fight in Manchester again?”
“I’d love to”, replied Tyson. “When are you going to beat Lewis?” another hollered. “One day”, was Tyson’s reply. “We had a lot of fun tonight. Thank you Manchester,” he continued.
In an interview with Sky’s Ian Darke earlier in the week, Tyson spoke of his later egos.
Talking afterwards was Mike the happy family man who had completed his work, not Tyson the fighter.
The other side to the 33-year-old had seen him storm through the hotel lobby on the day of the weigh-in with his minders, stopping to pose for photos with former heavyweight Earnie Shavers and Honeyghan, on his way to the airport.
It was reported he wanted to go home and call the fight off. Tyson returned, weighed in, seemed content again, even though Julius still kept him waiting.
The boxer explained: “I went to fetch my wife and children. I was told they weren’t coming. The kids were sick, but I wanted them to come anyway.”
Warren, who would obviously like to remain involved in Tyson’s plans but is keeping his cards close to his chest, said: “All we’ve asked is that he gets treated the same as anyone else. What damage did it do [letting him into the country]?”
Tyson thanked Jack Straw in his post-fight interview and the Krays for sending him flowers.
Staff at the Midland Hotel in Manchester said they had never seen any personality attract similar interest, not even Princess Diana.
Fans had gathered outside his hotel each day until the fight. Julius was at Old Trafford, where Manchester United won again, and made an appearance at half-time.
The last fortnight was a memorable experience for both. No one was seriously hurt and both were well paid. Those spectators who felt cheated were naďve.
Julius, who will presumably continue his career and defend his domestic crown (Michael Holden, his sparing partner, has been mentioned as a possible challenger), can claim he lasted longer than Spinks, Carl Williams and Bruce Seldon.
His sponsors, The Mirror, must be satisfied their logo, printed on the soles of the Londoner’s boots, received ample exposure.
Tyson made the usual no-nonsense entrance which had the crowd bubbling and, following his victory, as his entourage all celebrated and nodded approvingly to him, Iron Mike showed no trace of elation.
“I’m an American. I’m from Brooklyn and Catskill, New York,” he said, declaring his roots when asked if he would fight in the States again.
Tyson’s display was cool and typically ruthless. But better men, like Evander Holyfield, have revealed a different edge to Tyson’s fighting personality.
Finkel, who once managed Holyfield, is not thinking of going down that road again. The objective is for Tyson to have three more fights before Lewis. But within a year Tyson could heat Lennox and Holyfield could perform one more miracle by defeating his great rival a third time.
There is a greater chance of that scenario unfolding than the three belts (four if you include the IBO) remaining unified for the next 12 months.
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