Fighting words - People - Mike Tyson, world class boxer, goes ballistically homophobic - Brief Article

Mike Tyson knows how to give it to men until they love him. He said so himself, grabbing his crotch suggestively and shouting out exactly what he'd do to a "faggot" to make him "love me."

Tyson's bizarre tirade came at a January 24 press conference to promote a boxing match that was scheduled for April 6 in Las Vegas between him and Lennox Lewis. Tyson's ill-tempered swaggering set off a chain reaction of punching and pushing that engulfed about 50 people. When a reporter shouted out that Tyson should be put in a straitjacket, Iron Mike flew into a rage.

"I'll fuck you in the ass, you punk-ass white boy!" Tyson shrieked. "I'll fuck you in the ass, you coward, you bitch! You fucking faggot!"

Although few American newspapers reported the specifics of the homophobic rant, it did not escape the notice of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which reportedly cited Tyson's obscene outburst as the main reason it decided on January 30 to deny the heavyweight a state boxing license. Now Tyson's handlers must find another venue for the proposed match if Tyson wants to collect the $17.5 million he was guaranteed to earn for the fight.

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