Official: Tyson Fight Would Help Economy

Although unwilling to speculate Thursday on how he would vote on a boxing-license application by Mike Tyson, Manuel Soto, chairman of the California Athletic Commission, said that a proposed Tyson-Lennox Lewis heavyweight title fight at Staples Center would provide a much-needed boost to the L.A. economy.

“Everybody benefits,” Soto said. “This would create jobs. The President of the United States has said it is important that we create jobs. How long has it been since we held a fight this big here? It would bring in money for the hotels, restaurants, air flights.”

Tyson’s bid for a license to fight Lewis at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena was denied Tuesday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission because of Tyson’s erratic behavior and his failure to take steps to correct it.

“I know we would take a lot of flak if we approved it,” Soto said. “People would say we did it for the money. Sure, that’s true.”

Staples Center president Tim Leiweke says he would be interested in the match if the commission gave Tyson a license, but promoters from Denmark and South Africa also have offered to host the $100-million bout.

Shelly Finkel, Tyson’s manager, said he plans to apply to the California commission. Soto and Rob Lynch, executive director of the commission, say a special hearing would probably be necessary should representatives of the former two-time heavyweight champion follow through with a request.

Soto says he would insist on Tyson being present at such a hearing.

“I’m still not committing,” Soto said. “It’s up to Mike Tyson what happens. I am going to be shooting questions at him.”

The biggest hurdle for Tyson may be allegations he is guilty of sexual assault in two separate cases in Las Vegas.

Soto is one of six California athletic commissioners. Tyson would need approval from at least four to get a license.