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Tyson takes title in mauling bout

NZPA-AP Las Vegas Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Council heavyweight champion, took the World Boxing Association title away from James "Bonecrusher” Smith with a mauling 12-round decision yesterday at the Las Vegas Hilton. About 14,000 people showed up at the outdoor arena expecting an action match between two big punchers. What they got was a disappointing fight, as Iron Mike and the Bonecrusher spent a lot of time with their arms around each other. “He fought to survive,”

Tyson said after earning a one-sided decision. One judge, Lou Tabat, favoured Tyson 120-100 while the others, Dalby Shirley and Jose Guerra, favoured Tyson 119-107. “Tyson’s never been in an adverse situation where he’s had to survive,” said the 33-year-old Smith, making his first W.B.A. defence. But Smith never came close to putting Tyson into an adverse situation. He chose not to mix it with the unbeaten 20-year-old, who was making his first W.B.C. defence.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19870309.2.157

Bibliographic details

Press, 9 March 1987, Page 38

Word Count
159

Tyson takes title in mauling bout Press, 9 March 1987, Page 38

Tyson takes title in mauling bout Press, 9 March 1987, Page 38