Tyson pledges to get tough in return to ring

BRITAIN’S Danny Williams and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson are looking forward to their July 30 bout in Kentucky.

Williams will replace Ireland's Kevin McBride as Tyson's opponent in Louisville and the duo shaped up at a press conference there yesterday.

Tyson was unusually humble. He said: "I'm not here to be tough, I'll be tough in the ring on July 30."

Problems over money and doubts over McBride's calibre by the US pay-per-view television network Showtime have given 30-year-old Williams the bout and a career-high purse estimated at around £400,000.

Williams has won 31 of his 34 professional fights, although he had a points loss to former Tyson foe Julius Francis in April 1999 which he subsequently avenged.

Williams claimed the WBU heavyweight title with a third-round win over African Augustin N'Gou last month.

Tyson has fought for just 49 seconds since his comprehensive world heavyweight title loss to Lennox Lewis two years ago.

He revealed he has missed boxing.

"I missed the sound of the crowds and the sound of my opponent hitting the mat."