Legislation Would Ensure Tyson Ban Bill Would Make Boxer Ineligible In All States

Some members of Congress want to ensure that Mike Tyson is down for the count and ineligible to fight in all states as long as his boxing license is revoked in Nevada.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., has introduced legislation she said is necessary to close a loophole in last year’s boxing-reform law and to knock out any lingering chance that Tyson may fight professionally in the United States in the next year.

“Many of us cannot imagine this possibility, but the fight game and its promoters are known for unacceptable and brazen actions,” Norton said in introducing her bill shortly before members left for August recess.

Her legislation would bar a professional boxer whose license is revoked for a “malicious foul or infraction” in one state from fighting elsewhere in the country.

During a now-infamous June 28 heavyweight championship match in Las Vegas, Tyson twice bit Evander Holyfield and took off a chunk of his right ear. In early July, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to revoke Tyson’s boxing license and assess a maximum fine of $3 million as a penalty for his actions.

Under commission rules, Tyson could re-apply for a boxing license one calendar year after the revocation order is signed. Until then, other states theoretically could arrange for Tyson to fight in their rings if they notify Nevada in writing that a professional bout was to occur.

“I can tell you that’s not going to happen,” said Greg Sirb, president of the Association of Boxing Commissions.

“We have a good solid grasp of the situation, and we could put our share of pressure” on any state commission that might possibly try to arrange a fight for Tyson.