" 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 Full Ticket
Size: 2 x 6 1/2 inches
Condition: Excellent. Vertical crease at mid point.
Price: $ 845.00
2000-1651
Rare!
Note: Buyer pays shipping & handling of $ 10.00 within the Continental United States. Foreign purchasers please inquire as to rates. Note: Some countries impose a duty of V.A.T. on imported goods, any such charge is the responsibility of the purchaser.
(1) Mike Tyson. Money, Myth and Betrayl by Monteith Illingworth. pp.164