Tyson Says He Still Is Champion

And what of the former king?

A subdued Mike Tyson reappeared with Don King and the Team Tyson entourage at the Tokyo Dome Sunday, about five hours after the fight. Tyson, his left eye swollen shut behind wraparound sunglasses, wore a beige running suit and sat quietly while the WBA and WBC haggled over the protest.

“I’m just asking for fairness,” he said. “I believe in my heart I’m still the heavyweight champion.”

Whatever challenge is ahead, Tyson’s next fight will generate intense inspection.

Will he come roaring back from defeat, as did a young Joe Louis over 50 years ago? In 1936, Louis was knocked out by Germany’s Max Schmeling in a huge upset, when neither man was champion. Two years later, in a rematch when Louis was champion, Louis knocked Schmeling out in the first round.

Or will Tyson begin to fade, as did a young Floyd Patterson 30 years ago?

Patterson was knocked out by Sweden’s Ingemar Johansson in 1960, and although he beat Johansson twice after that, quickly began to decline. He lost twice to Sonny Liston on first-round knockouts.

Tyson talked as if nothing had changed, almost as if Buster Douglas hadn’t happened.

“Yes, I still believe I’m the best fighter in the world,” Tyson said.