Only because he’s a former heavyweight champ does Tyson’s name belong in the same sentence with legends such as Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Rocky Marciano and Carmen Basilio.
Like many fighters before him, Tyson came from a tough neighborhood and questionable associations. But unlike many before him, he was anything but honest with his handlers and managers.
He was in like Flynn most of his career with Don King, who has a lot to do with boxing’s demise. Birds of a feather.
As far as character is concerned, the controversial Tyson couldn’t hold a candle to Louis, who actually gave up his purses to Army and Navy relief funds during World War II.
Louis had everything ... a mighty six-inch KO punch and a lot of class. He once purchased an apartment house in Detroit — his hometown — and it was quickly occupied by friends and non-paying family members.
Marciano had a hang-up about money and used to keep it hidden. That was his worst “crime.” Rocky was a great guy. We became friends, and when he visited California when I was a boxing and pro basketball writer for the San Jose Mercury-News, he never failed to call me.
Rocky finished 49-0 and that was never matched. Tyson finished as a disgraced former champ. Night and day.
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