Tyson confirms fight back on schedule

MIKE TYSON’S heavyweight fight with Clifford Etienne in Memphis on Saturday is back on, according to a release from the television companies due to screen the bout.

The fight had originally been called off yesterday because Tyson complained of feeling unwell but now Showtime and SHO HDTV have confirmed the contest will take place at the Pyramid Arena.

In a statement, issued by Sternburg Communications, it was confirmed the 10-round bout would take place on Saturday as originally scheduled.

The statement read: "The 10-round bout had been postponed Monday evening after Tyson had been bed-ridden with the flu for a few days.

"But today, Tyson woke up feeling great."

The statement quoted Tyson's advisor Shelly Finkel who said: "Mike called me this morning and told me he's ready to go.

"He told me 'I can beat Etienne', and that's what he intends to do."

Promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing has also confirmed that he believes the fight is back on.

Young told www.gomemphis.com: "They're packing their bags right now. (Tyson) will be in Memphis today."

Promoter Gary Shaw also said: "I'm in the process of getting a private jet to come in right now. My understanding is Mike will be there (in Memphis)."

But the fight could still hit problems with Etienne's advisors revealing their man was now not keen on going ahead with the contest.

"Well, we're back on but we've got a major problem Clifford doesn't want to fight now," Les Bonano, Etienne's manager, told www.gomemphis.com.

"He said Tyson doesn't call the shots and tell him when he's going to fight and when he ain't going to fight.

"He said: 'The world doesn't revolve around Mike Tyson'."

Etienne had accused Tyson of running scared when the fight was called off yesterday.

"I'm disappointed. He must have been having second thoughts," said the fighter nicknamed The Black Rhino after hearing initially that Tyson intended to pull out.