Notes on a Scorecard - March 18, 1991

Razor Ruddock has the punching power. The question is whether he has the willpower to test Mike Tyson tonight. . . .

Thirty-nine of Tyson’s 40 opponents have talked a much better fight than they’ve fought. . .

His last victim, Alex Stewart, seemed scared stiff. So did Carl (The Truth) Williams. Others have become intimidated after taking one good shot. . . .

In the era of phony championships, countless weight divisions and numerous alphabet organizations, this is a rare major fight without a title attached to it. . . .

The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds because the World Boxing Council has given it the championship elimination tag. But the judges shouldn’t have to bring along their scorecards. This isn’t going to last the distance. . . .

Ruddock hasn’t sparred in 10 days, and there has been speculation that he hurt his right hand. His camp says everything is OK and that 100 rounds of sparring in Miami were enough. . . .

Tyson’s trainer, Richie Giachetti, said: “We worked on some surprises in training, but I don’t think you’ll see them because this fight isn’t going to last more than one round.” . . . The weigh-in Sunday afternoon was uneventful, in contrast to the last one conducted at the Mirage when Buster Douglas looked more like Buster Mathis. . . .

Two hundred and 17 pounds seemed perfect for Tyson. So did 228 for Ruddock. . . .

Ruddock’s strategy: Try to keep Tyson, who has an 11-inch reach disadvantage, on the end of a long jab, hide the right hand and come over the top with it when the opportunity arises. . . .

Most competitive fight on the card could be the 12-rounder between International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Simon Brown and World Boxing Council champion Maurice Blocker. . . .

The two are friends who used to work in the same Washington, D.C. gym. “We’re mature men,” Blocker said. “This is only business. It’s nothing personal.” . . .

Roberto Duran, who will turn 40 in June, will open the pay-per-view and closed-circuit TV show against Pat Lawlor. Two years ago, Lawlor was fodder for Duran in an exhibition at San Francisco. . . .

Why is Duran attempting another comeback? He’s broke and will be paid $100,000. At 168 pounds, though, he apparently hasn’t missed too many meals lately.

From all reports, the Tony Lopez-Brian Mitchell junior lightweight title unification fight in Sacramento Friday was exciting and close. But there ought to be a rule against draws. . . . Aaron Pryor, who has been charged with drug abuse and trafficking, would have been remembered as the Henry Armstrong of his generation had he behaved. . . .

Three undefeated champions--heavyweight Evander Holyfield, light-heavyweight Virgil Hill and junior-flyweight Michael Carbajal--failed to win a gold medal in the Olympics. . . . Tyson, who was criticized for not having an experienced cutman in his corner when he was knocked out by Buster Douglas, will employ Dr. Ira Trocki this time. . . .

Trocki, a plastic surgeon from New Jersey, sewed 40 stitches to close the gash Tyson suffered in August while training for the Stewart fight. . . .

Loudest ovation at the news conference Friday was given to Don King when he said his voice was going and he wouldn’t talk as much as usual. . . .

During his filibuster, Ruddock’s manager, Murad Muhammad, said, “Even the common man on welfare comes to these fights.” Tickets are priced from $100 to $800. . . .

Look for Tyson to have some anxious moments before knocking out Ruddock in the fifth round.