" I could have danced all night..."

-Lerner and Lowe

Mike Tyson

vs.

Bonecrusher Smith

W.B.A. Heavyweight Championship

The billboard outside the Las Vegas Hilton proclaimed,

"Your grandfather wished he had seen Demspey.

Your father wished he had seen Marciano.

Don't miss seeing Iron Mike Tyson, March 7, at the Las Vegas Hilton."

But this time Tyson was not to live up to prior billing. Seemingly, frustrated and confused by Smith's repeated holding and running, Tyson was lulled in an trancelike passivity.

Although, Tyson won a unanimous decision. His first real encounter with a critical press followed the Smith fight.

"You can tell Jack Dempsey and Tunney and Ali they don't have to move over just yet...your reputations are safe from Mike Tyson"

-Jim Murray. Los Angeles Times (1)

HBO commentator Larry Merchant fired the opening salvo in what was to become full blown war between the press and Mike Tyson when he said during the broadcast,

" He's not as good as Ali and Frazier. In truth he is not as good as they are..."

Vintage Original On Site Programme

Price: $ 185.00

Size: 8 1/2 X 11 inches (19pp)

Condition: Excellent

2000-5649

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