This Time, There Is Calm After Storm : Aftermath: Tyson praises Ruddock, who is too sore to attend news conference. The scene had been chaotic after first fight.

Razor Ruddock lost the rematch Friday night but won the respect of Mike Tyson.

“Ruddock is a tough guy,” Tyson said after 12 rounds at the Mirage. “He hurt me a couple of times. He had a good heart. He came to fight.”

However, Ruddock didn’t come to the news conference.

He said he didn’t feel like it. The bloody mouth, the mouse under his left eye and the stomach indigestion had something to do with it.

“Donovan Ruddock is not a sore loser, but he is sore,” said his manager, Murad Muhammad.

The scene in the ring after the fight was more tranquil than it was the night of March 18, when handlers from both corners continued the war after Richard Steele called a ceasefire in the seventh round.

This time, Tyson smiled and put his arm on Ruddock’s shoulder.

“I hope this guy doesn’t go out and make a mistake and lose to somebody. Boy, God, he’s got a future.”

Ruddock told TV commentator Ferdie Pacheco, “I have to give Mike all the credit in the world.”

Naturally, there was talk of a third match.

But, at the news conference, Don King was asked about a bout between Tyson and heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

To condense a long answer, King said: “The fight won’t come off because the Duvas (promoter brothers Dan and Lou) are playing games.”

Again Friday night, the referee was a major player.

Mills Lane deducted three points from Tyson for low blows in the fourth, ninth and 10th rounds and one from Ruddock for hitting after the bell ending the eighth round.

“I didn’t complain and Ruddock didn’t complain,” Tyson said.

“It didn’t bother me because I knew I was way ahead on points. I was in good condition and I knew I could go the distance and finish strong.”

Ruddock joined James Tillis, Mitch Green, James (Bonecrusher) Smith and Tony Tucker on the list of those who have gone the distance with Tyson during his 42-bout career.

But was this Tyson’s toughest fight other than his loss to James (Buster) Douglas?

“Yeah,” Tyson said. “But I knew it was going to be a tough fight. People said this was going to be quick. I didn’t think so.”

However, the gamblers in Nevada did. Very few took the 5-1 odds against Tyson winning a 12-round decision.