Tourist Tyson Takes Aim at ‘Fat’ Francis

This blue-collar city will be abuzz tonight: Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, will fight British champion Julius Francis in what looks to be a mismatch before a sellout crowd of 21,000 in MEN Arena.

Tyson, who arrived in London on Jan. 15, came to Manchester on Tuesday night after a three-hour drive from London.

“I want to thank you for coming out here and waiting so long for me,” Tyson told a large crowd after getting to his Manchester hotel several hours after his scheduled arrival.

A patron in a pub called the Goose wondered why Tyson spent 10 days in London.

The answer is clear. London is a national and international media base, and the spotlight on Tyson would shine brighter there than anywhere else in Britain.

Tyson weighed in Friday at 223 3/4 pounds. He twirled his hair while wearing on his right arm a watch and a diamond bracelet that he bought in London for about $1 million. That’s twice as much as Francis is getting for the fight.

Looking at Francis, who wore sunglasses and weighed 244 1/2, Tyson said, “He’s kind of fat.”

The fighters briefly stared at each other.

“He can’t hit me with his eyes,” Tyson said. “I’m cool. I’m relaxed and I’m ready to fight.”

Tyson (46-3, 1 no contest, 40 knockouts) will be paid from $8 million to $11 million for the 10-round bout.

Francis (21-7, 11 knockouts) is getting $560,000. His previous biggest purse was $85,000.

Boxing Note

A judge in New York denied a request by Orlin Norris, who wanted $2 million in damages from Mike Tyson’s purse from his bout against Julius Francis in England. Norris lost to Tyson on Oct. 23 and contends he was assured a rematch if he said the late hit he took from Tyson during their bout was accidental. Tyson punched Norris after the first-round bell. Norris injured his knee when he hit the canvas and was unable to continue. The bout was declared a no-contest.

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By the Numbers

The tale of the tape for tonight’s heavyweight fight at MEN Arena, Manchester, England (* No contest):

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Tyson Francis 46-3* Record 21-7 40 Knockouts 11 33 Age 35 223 3/4 Weight 244 1/2 5-11 1/2 Height 6-2 78 Reach 79 42 1/2 Chest (normal) 46 44 Chest (expanded) 48 17 Biceps 18 14 Forearm 14 34 Waist 36 26 1/2 Thigh 27 17 Calf 19 1/2 20 Neck 18 8 Wrist 11 12 Fist 13 1/2

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