Notes on a Scorecard - July 1, 1991

When he took permanent possession of Razor Ruddock on a comfortable summer night in Las Vegas, Mike Tyson answered some questions and raised some others. . . .

Tyson proved that he can go 12 brisk rounds against a powerful opponent, take some heavy shots, and finish strong. . . .

Having worked himself into splendid physical condition, he showed that he has regained his focus after the Buster Douglas fiasco. . . .

Tyson fired the wicked hooks just above and below the belt that make him the foremost practitioner of the lost art of body punching, but again lacked in-fighting skills. . . .

He knocked Ruddock down twice but couldn’t finish him off in the furious manner that marked so many of his early performances against lesser foes. . . .

Tyson didn’t bob and weave, but tapes showed that he did bob and weave against Buster Douglas, and where did that get him? . . .

For the fourth time in his career, Tyson was unable to knock out a tall opponent, but Evander Holyfield isn’t as tall as Tony Tucker, James (Quick) Tillis, James (Bonecrusher) Smith or Mitch (Blood) Green. . . .

Tyson, who failed to impress many other ringside journalists, convinced me that he can beat Holyfield by either decision or knockout. . . .

Ruddock is a big, strong guy who isn’t lacking in skills, but he has become a one-dimensional fighter. He loads up on the left hook and uppercut all night, neglecting the jab, straight right hand and combinations. . . .

Mills Lane, the busy referee, did a good job, but let Ruddock get away with cupping the back of Tyson’s head. . . .

The fast-paced Jeff Fenech-Azumah Nelson 12-rounder was marred by a lousy decision. I gave Fenech, the double-tough unbeaten Australian, seven of the last eight rounds and had him winning by four points. Nelson was given a draw and got to keep his World Boxing Council super featherweight championship. . . .

If only he had taken a few chances, Long Beach middleweight Reggie Johnson would have won the International Boxing Federation title from James Toney on Saturday. . . .

Julio Cesar Chavez, who dropped out of Friday’s card because of a cut eye, might fight Hector (Macho) Camacho or get a rematch with Meldrick Taylor early in the fall at the Mirage. . . .

Muhammad Ali will appear in the “Celebration U.S.A.” parade at Disneyland Tuesday. . . .

USC Athletic Director Mike McGee withdrew his name from the list of candidates to become executive director of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. . . .

McGee probably could have had the job, but said he still has things to accomplish at USC. . . .

Jockey Alex Solis had tears in his eyes after Marquetry’s victory in the $1-million Gold Cup Saturday at Hollywood Park, and nobody could blame him. . . .

Solis, who is Marquetry’s regular rider, couldn’t make the assigned 110 pounds and the mount was given to David Flores. Solis said he could make 111. Flores’ share of the upset victory was $55,000. . . .

In defeat, Farma Way did himself proud. . . .

Trevor Denman’s call of the stretch drive: “Marquetry has the weight advantage, Farma Way has the class. Which one is going to win it?” . . .

Trainer Ron McAnally did the right thing by not running Festin in the Gold Cup. On the fast Hollywood Park track, the come-from-behind specialist probably would have finished out of the money. . . .

Moses Malone probably will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. . . .

If LeRon Ellis becomes a productive NBA player, he will fool just about everyone except the Clippers, who drafted him in the first round. . . .

The Boston Celtics probably will invite former Clipper guard Tom Garrick to their free agent camp. . . .

Best name in the Arena Football League: The New Orleans Night. . . .

Instant replay would have reversed the call that went against Dodger shortstop Alfredo Griffin in Atlanta Saturday night--tapes showed that Griffin caught Mark Lemke’s line drive--but baseball needs something to speed up the game, not slow it down. . . .

During their 14-game errorless streak, the Angels went 8-6. . . .

Look-alikes: Rafael Palmeiro and Keith Hernandez. . . .

Nobody expected the Oakland Athletics to be next to last in the American League in pitching. . . .

I don’t hear much talk about Wimbledon.