RP in 'never-say-die' bid to host Tyson-Lewis fight
RP in 'never-say-die' bid to host Tyson-Lewis fight
Agencies, Manila
The Philippine government has launched a "never-say-die" bid to host a title match between controversial challenger Mike Tyson and reigning world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, Manila's tourism secretary said Sunday.
The fight was due to take place in Las Vegas on April 6 but was postponed after Tyson was refused a license for instigating a brawl in a pre-fight news conference.
Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said he has instructed the Philippine tourism coordinator in the U.S. to "make a very big attempt, a never-say-die attempt to get this bout" in the Philippines, according to AFP.
The Philippines, he noted, was no stranger to staging world title fights. In 1975, the government hosted the "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, considered by boxing aficionados as among the best fights in boxing history.
"We had Thrilla in Manila and hopefully this fight will focus the cameras of the world towards a peaceful Philippines, a sports-minded Philippines," Gordon said over ABS-CBN television.
Gordon acknowledged that hosting the match could be costly, but added he has spoken with local businessmen and promoters who have agreed to bankroll the bid.
Lewis is the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation champion and the fight is Tyson's latest bid to regain glory after previous defeats, including a controversial one that saw him bite of Evander Holyfield's ear.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, a state lawmaker said Tyson should not be given a license to fight in Texas and questioned whether the boxer would be subject to arrest if he comes to the state.
"If I was his manager, I'd be looking for some place else to fight," said Rep. Ray Allen, R-Grand Prairie, as quoted AP.
Allen said Tyson, a convicted rapist, didn't register with Texas officials as a sex offender when he trained in San Antonio last spring.
"I think Tyson's toast in Texas," Allen said. Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the San Antonio Police Department said Saturday they weren't familiar with the specifics of Tyson's case so couldn't comment on whether he could be arrested in Texas.