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Pataki wants Tyson review
BOLTON LANDING, N.Y. (AP) -- Gov. George Pataki wants the state's boxing authorities to review Mike Tyson's "appalling" behavior in his bout with Evander Holyfield to determine if he should box again in New York."There's no question that in light of what happened there, New York state and the entire industry of boxing should take a look at whether he should ever be allowed to fight again," Pataki said when asked whether the state's Athletic Commission, which licenses boxers, should look into Tyson's biting off part of Holyfield's ear during their heavyweight championship fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Tyson was disqualified after he bit Holyfield for the second time and his $30 million purse was held up by Nevada officials.
Calls to the state Athletic Commission were referred to the Secretary of State's office, which did not immediately respond to Pataki's comments.
Pataki's administration has been trying to resuscitate New York's dormant championship boxing industry and has succeeded in attracting a few big-time fights to Madison Square Garden.
Pataki said the behavior by Tyson, a New York City native who developed into a champion while living in Catskill and training under the late Cus D'Amato, was an "utter disgrace" and an "embarrassment to the entire sport of boxing."
"I think they should take a very hard look at whether he's allowed to fight again, not just in New York, but anywhere," Pataki said.
Tyson has fought 16 times in his career in New York state. His last appearance came on July 26, 1986, when he knocked out Marvis Frazier in one round in Glens Falls.
Pataki made his comments Monday in this resort town on the shore of Lake George after addressing a meeting of the New York State Broadcasters Association.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Vincent Leibell introduced a bill Monday to require a boxer's license to be revoked in New York state if their biting "causes bleeding or a disfigurement, destruction, amputation or disability of any portion of the opponent's body."
"I am embarrassed today that Mike Tyson calls New York state his home," Leibell said.
Current state statutes allow the commission to revoke or suspend the licenses of boxers who commit acts that aren't in the "best interests of boxing." Leibell said his legislation would both clarify the law and toughen penalties for biting in the ring.
A boxer would be afforded a hearing on his biting incident before having his license revoked. Leibell said Tyson's conduct was "nothing short of horrific" and that a mutilating bite outside the ring could subject the biter to a first-degree assault charge, which is a felony.