When They Compare It to Pro Wrestling, It’s Not Good for Boxing

When P.T. Barnum proclaimed that a sucker is born every minute, he could have been talking about the Tyson-McNeeley fight and all the fans who got sucker-punched by Don King’s hype.

It is notable that the former champion, considered one of the hardest hitters in boxing history, came back after a four-year absence by going against a marshmallow so overmatched, so amateurish, so outclassed, that the whole thing was a joke.

As always, the last laugh is on those who get ripped off by hustlers such as King, or men of courage such as Mike Tyson. At least in professional wrestling, the promoters are honest and tell it like it is--fake but entertaining.

SANDFORD A. LECHTICK, Woodland Hills

*

I spent a few minutes debating whether to watch the Tyson-McNeeley fight. Did I want to support a convicted rapist? But then I reasoned that Tyson had done his time, as the law provides, so it would be OK.

After watching just the entrances, viewing the circuslike atmosphere, the complete lack of regard for the competition, for the sport, I knew it was Don King I couldn’t support.

Surely in his newly embraced Koran, Tyson has found something to warn him of the evils of people such as Don King. Tyson now asks the Lord for all His blessings. Mike, ask your Lord for the strength to be your own man and follow a path of truth and real sportsmanship. Pro boxing looks no better than pro wrestling.

JENNIFER J. PART, Los Angeles

*

For NOW to besiege Mike Tyson for donations is akin to the NAACP buying sheets for the KKK.

MARY ALICE ALTORFER, Santa Maria

*

I have been thoroughly amused by the complaints of the foolish people who paid money to see the Tyson debacle, expecting it to be sport. Anyone with half a brain knows that a Don King boxing event is all event and no boxing.

ALAN ABAJIAN, Alta Loma

*

While The Times’ sportswriters complain about what a joke the Tyson-McNeeley fight was, they evidently forget it was they who had the fight on the front page all last week.

MICHAEL HANNIN, Woodland Hills