Some quotes and notes on the eve of MIKE TYSON's return to
the ring evening against "HURRICANE" PETER MCNEELEY:
In Atlanta, Prentis Rogers writes that Tyson's return to the
ring "is such a compelling story that SET (Showtime Entertainment
Television) may not fall too short of its projected 1 million
orders" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 8/18). In Philadelphia, Bill Lyon
calls the event the "swindle of the year" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER,
8/18). In Chicago, Michael Hirsley writes, "Some do not hesitate
to embrace former champion Tyson as the sport's savior. Others
feel he is already hurting boxing by creating such a stir over
such a mismatch" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/18). In Ft. Worth, Gil
Lebreton writes for $39.95, fans "can take a pay-per-view-peek
tomorrow night. Or you can gouge both of your ears with pinking
shears. Either would make equal sense" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM,
8/18). Jay Leno: "Peter 'Hurricane' McNeeley got some bad news
today. The National Weather Service downgraded him to Tropical
Storm McNeeley. ...The odds for this fight are 17-1, which means
if he had 17 guys in the ring with him, he might win" ("Tonight,"
NBC, 8/17).
CELEB WATCH: In Tyson's corner on Saturday will be Dr. Dre
and Snoop Doggy Dog. Also expected to show are Don Johnson, Demi
Moore, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Kevin Costner and
Naughty By Nature (BOSTON HERALD, 8/18).