Contrite Tyson claims old demons banished

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A humble and reflective Mike Tyson said Tuesday he’s done with the chaos that enveloped his life and is serious about one last boxing comeback.

“I may have a checkered past, but I’ve grown since then,” said Tyson, dressed in a gray suit with a pink shirt at a news conference. “I think I deserve another chance to prove my checkered past can be swept away.”

Tyson, who turns 38 today, was in Louisville to promote his July 30 bout with British journeyman Danny Williams.

Tyson hasn’t fought since stopping Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds on Feb. 22, 2003. He’s been living in a modest house in suburban Phoenix, away from the lavish lifestyle and wasteful spending that landed him deep in debt.

“I’ve learned I could be happier with a lot less,” said Tyson, who was soft-spoken and polite with reporters.

Tyson disputed a story in a London tabloid that quoted him saying he was homeless and taking handouts from “unsavory characters.”

The fight against Williams is one of Tyson’s first steps toward digging out of bankruptcy. The convicted rapist squandered more than $300 million in purses after becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 20. Records show Tyson still owes more than $38 million to various creditors.

Tyson’s attorneys recently unveiled a plan in federal bankruptcy court under which he will fight seven times over the next three years. He’s also close to settling a $100 million lawsuit against promoter Don King for $14 million and selling two houses in Las Vegas.

Tyson said his biggest regret was how much he trusted the wrong people with his money.

“The only reason people took advantage of me is because I allowed it,” he said. “I’m a foolish man. I’m the most foolish person in the history of this sport.”