Tyson embarks on long journey to pay off debts

Kentucky - Mike Tyson, who once spent two million dollars on a bathtub for Robin Givens, will face Danny Williams on Friday in the first of seven bouts designed to get him out of debt.

The 38-year-old American steps back into the ring for the first time in a year and a half. But on Wednesday he claimed he is not just fighting to pay off the 38 million dollars he reportedly owes to his creditors.

"I have to change my standards because my kids are getting old enough to understand and I hope when they get older they have a different perspective about me," Tyson said.

The Washington Post reported this week that Tyson has squandered his 400-million-dollar fortune and was down to his last 1,250 dollars in April.

"Life's lessons has been pretty priceless for me," Tyson said.

Tyson may have lost the sting off his punch but he still has drawing power.

A mob of 5,000 showed up this week to watch Tyson work out at a Louisville shopping mall.

Freddie Roach, Tyson's trainer, believes Tyson will be ready to challenge Vitali Klitschko after just three more fights.

The former undisputed champion has not held a piece of the world title since losing the World Boxing Association version to Evander Holyfield in November 1996.

"Mike has dedicated himself and he is working hard," Roach said. "If he gets back to a certain level, he can beat those champions out there. Klitschko is probably his ultimate goal. We need a couple of fights before that happens, but that is what we are after."

Roach favours another tune-up against Vassily Jirov. Of course, that is contingent on Tyson beating Williams at Freedom Hall.

Then he could also plan for a challenge against a minor champion like WBO ruler Lamon Brewster.

Roach started working with Tyson following his crushing defeat to Lennox Lewis in June 2002. He then masterminded the 49-second knockout of Clifford Etienne in Memphis in February.

"On the first day of training for this fight, Mike already looked better than he did when he fought Etienne," Roach said.

Roach does not believe England's Williams possesses a threat to Tyson's future plans. But despite insisting Williams "does not seem like the bravest guy in the world", Roach still urged a little caution.

"He (Williams) does have pretty good power," Roach said. "I expect Williams to be at his best because this is the biggest fight in the world for him."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin